Ran Neu-Ner (Presenter, Crypto Trader; Founder, ONchain Capital), appeared on CNBC’s Fast Money today to discuss yesterday’s Bloomberg article that claimed that the U.S. Department of Justice was launching a criminal probe into whether traders illegally manipulated the price of Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies.
Following a live cross to Seema Mody (CNBC Business News) – who explained how yesterday’s allegations were welcomed by many crypto enthusiasts – Neu-Ner appeared on Fast Money to provide insight on crypto market manipulation and the current regulatory climate.
Conversation on Manipulation
Acknowledging how “everybody thinks manipulation is going on” whenever she’s scrolling through Twitter, host Melissa Lee asked Neu-Ner if he shared this same sentiment.
The South African responded firstly by agreeing that “in the past, it was easier to manipulate Bitcoin” and other cryptocurrencies. This, he justified, was due to there being far less on-ramps and off-ramps connected to the whole ecosystem (i.e., crypto exchanges, trading platforms, brokerage services); making for an illiquid cryptoasset market.
However, Neu-Ner disagreed with Lee regarding the manipulability of the crypto market we know today. Because trading activity is orders of magnitudes higher than in years past, he concluded that “today, it would be a lot harder to manipulate.”
I think now, at a 330-billion-dollar market cap, I don’t think there’s much manipulation going on.”
Whilst respecting his reasoning, Lee countered by referencing last decade’s Libor scandal, which, despite being “perhaps one of the deepest markets” out there, was able to be manipulated by certain banks.
CNBC Africa “Cryptotrader” host @cryptomanran says the DOJ’s crackdown on #bitcoin is actually a buying opportunity for $BTC pic.twitter.com/QeazR3fcXq
— CNBC’s Fast Money (@CNBCFastMoney) May 24, 2018
A Crackdown on What Exactly?
Neu-Ner admitted to being confused about why U.S. regulators would be “clamping down” on potential Bitcoin price manipulation, when the asset class still hasn’t been defined by U.S. federal law; asking, “it’s (i.e., potential market manipulation) illegal in terms of what act?”
We’re not regulated as an equity, we’re not a currency, we’re not a commodity; we don’t know what we are.”
That aside, Neu-Ner encouraged any would-be U.S. regulatory crackdown, saying that “we’ve got to weed out the bad actors.” Should such parties continue to participate in the market, the Crypto Trader host worries that it will “create a lack of trust in this asset class,” thus harming the chances that Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptoassets have of someday achieving mass-scale adoption.
Regulatory Hot Potato
On categorizing virtual currencies and ICOs, Neu-Ner stated that, either “unfortunately or fortunately,” it seems that “a lot of territories are waiting on the SEC” to set a legal precedent.
He pointed to March’s G20 meeting, along with commentary out of the European Parliament, as indicators that most developed countries are basically saying, “we’re not legislating this thing yet, we’re still going to watch;” which Neu-Ner interprets as an unspoken agreement that they’re fine with permitting the SEC to “call the shots.”
He highlights Japan and Singapore as harbouring a “very favourable” regulatory climate for cryptocurrencies and ICOs. South Korea, too, should “come out with positive regulation” in June, Neu-Ner added.
I’m buying. Expecting major support at $6900 if it gets there. Market manipulation may have happened-if manipulators are taken to task it brings us closer to Institutional money inflows.Add that to infrastructure being built, @coinbase launching institutional grade trading system https://t.co/rMTRW7vPVN
— Ran NeuNer (@cryptomanran) May 24, 2018
Image From Shutterstock
