Coinbase Releases SEC Emails Shed Light on Crypto Classification Decisions

Coinbase has released a trove of internal SEC emails related to cryptocurrency classification decisions, offering a glimpse into how regulations are shaped behind closed doors. The documents, which were submitted by Coinbase on Wednesday, revealed New York Attorney General Shamiso Maswoswe’s June 2023 email urging the SEC to file an amicus brief supporting the claim that ETH is a security. This request came during NYAG’s ongoing legal battle with KuCoin, where the state alleged violations of securities and commodities laws. Maswoswe expressed that a formal court ruling on ETH’s classification would be beneficial for investor protection efforts even if it doesn’t directly impact the case against KuCoin. Additionally, the documents reveal internal SEC discussions concerning whether XRP might qualify as a security under current regulations. This aligns with Ripple’s ongoing legal battle with the agency and is considered a major development in the crypto industry. The release of these emails by Coinbase comes amid concerns about regulatory overreach within the cryptocurrency sector.