Coinbase Files Dual FOIA Requests Demanding Transparency On US Crypto Crackdown
On Monday, Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase, announced a significant escalation in the exchange’s legal efforts against US regulators. This move involves the submission of two new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests as part of their ongoing battle for transparency and clarity concerning digital asset regulations.
Coinbase Aims To Reveal Crucial Regulatory Communications
Coinbase’s first FOIA request seeks documents related to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and other banking regulators’ limitations on digital asset deposits imposed on financial institutions. This request is pivotal in understanding the regulatory framework governing these digital assets.
The second request is designed to collect logs that detail how these regulatory agencies manage other FOIA requests. These recent filings are separate from previous FOIA submissions made over a year ago, which are currently the focus of federal lawsuits.
Grewal elaborated on the scope of these new requests, which target comprehensive documentation and communications exchanged between officials from various regulatory bodies, such as the Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve Board. The documents seek to cover any imposition of caps or restrictions on deposits from digital asset companies at depository institutions, including Signature Bank and Silvergate Bank, dating back to June 1, 2022.
The expansive definition of “documents” in the request encompasses a wide array of materials, including contracts, emails, meeting minutes, and any other relevant communications. The objective is to gain a holistic view of how regulators are managing digital asset deposit limits.
Clarity On Securities Laws Application
The friction between Coinbase and US regulators can be traced back to a previous FOIA request submitted by History Associates on behalf of Coinbase. This request was denied by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), citing an exemption applicable to records compiled for ongoing law enforcement proceedings.
In their pursuit of transparency, Coinbase has also sought a court order to compel the SEC to produce internal records that could illuminate the application of securities laws to digital assets. This includes documents related to Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and investigatory files concerning Enigma MPC and Zachary Coburn, both of which have settled claims with the SEC in the past.
Despite these proactive measures, Coinbase has expressed frustration over the SEC’s limited response, which included only three heavily redacted pages. The agency maintains that other records are being withheld under the same exemption. History Associates, advocating for Coinbase in this FOIA matter, argues that under FOIA, agencies are required to disclose responsive records unless they can indisputably demonstrate that the records fall within specific statutory exemptions. The regulator’s response was a request for an extension of time.
Market Insights
Amidst these legal proceedings, Coinbase’s market presence remains noteworthy. The exchange’s shares, listed as COIN, are currently trading at a value of $213, reflecting the company’s resilience and the trust investors place in its future prospects.
Coinbase’s ongoing legal efforts emphasize the company’s commitment to achieving regulatory transparency and navigating the complex landscape of digital asset governance. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders and industry observers alike keenly await further developments.
