Coinbase calls for end to SEC staff crypto ownership ban
Coinbase has called for the United States Office of Government Ethics to overturn a rule that prevents SEC staff from holding cryptocurrencies.
In letters made public on 25 April 2025, representatives from Coinbase argued that the current restrictions hinder the SEC’s ability to properly regulate digital assets.
Under Legal Advisory 22-04, issued by the OGE on 4 July 2022, SEC employees are barred from buying, selling, or using cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. The advisory justifies the prohibition on the basis that these digital assets are not classified as ‘publicly traded securities’ and therefore do not qualify for the same exceptions afforded to stocks.
A representative from Coinbase stated that for SEC staff…
