# Consumer Protection Related Articles

HTX News Center provides the latest articles and in-depth analysis on "Consumer Protection", covering market trends, project updates, tech developments, and regulatory policies in the crypto industry.

Crypto Should Be Judged By Economic Role, Not Tech Design: ASIC Fintech Chief

According to Rhys Bollen, head of fintech at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), consumer harm in crypto primarily stems from intermediaries—exchanges, custodians, lenders—rather than the tokens themselves. In a paper presented at the Melbourne Money and Finance Conference, Bollen argued that Australia should regulate digital assets based on their economic function, not their technological design. Tokens that act like securities should be treated as such, stablecoins moving money should fall under payments law, and consumer protection rules should cover the rest. This approach contrasts with jurisdictions like the U.S. and EU, which are creating crypto-specific laws. Australia is already implementing this through its Digital Asset Framework bill, which integrates digital assets into existing financial regulations rather than building a separate legal structure.

bitcoinist16h ago

Crypto Should Be Judged By Economic Role, Not Tech Design: ASIC Fintech Chief

bitcoinist16h ago

ASIC Fintech Chief Says Crypto Shouldn’t Be a Separate Asset Class

The fintech chief of Australia's securities regulator, ASIC, argues that crypto should not be treated as a separate asset class. Rhys Bollen stated at the Melbourne Money and Finance Conference that blockchain and crypto perform the same core financial functions as existing infrastructure and should be regulated based on economic substance rather than technological form. He proposed that tokenized securities fall under securities laws, stablecoins under payment services legislation, and other crypto aspects under consumer protection laws. Bollen emphasized that regulatory systems have historically adapted to technological changes without abandoning core principles like market integrity and consumer protection. He noted that most consumer harm in crypto stems from intermediaries (platforms offering trading, custody, or lending services), not the tokens themselves. ASIC's approach focuses on regulating these intermediaries rather than the assets. This stance contrasts with dedicated crypto regulatory frameworks in the US and EU. Bollen also cautioned that legal analysis should prioritize practical control and profit over claims of decentralization.

TheNewsCryptoYesterday 08:53

ASIC Fintech Chief Says Crypto Shouldn’t Be a Separate Asset Class

TheNewsCryptoYesterday 08:53

Bloomberg: Prediction Markets Are Gambling, and Congress Should Regulate Them

Bloomberg Opinion argues that prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are effectively unregulated gambling operations that circumvent state-level betting regulations. These platforms, which allow users to bet on sports, politics, and other events, claim to be "event contract" markets regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) rather than gambling businesses. This allows them to avoid age restrictions (serving users as young as 18), consumer protections, and licensing requirements that apply to traditional sportsbooks. With nearly 90% of Kalshi’s revenue coming from sports betting, the editorial warns of significant risks including addiction, debt, insider trading, and market manipulation—citing suspicious trading activity ahead of geopolitical events. It calls on Congress to amend the CEA to clearly distinguish legitimate prediction markets from gambling, enforce consistent consumer safeguards, and restrict political event betting. The piece urges regulatory action before further harm occurs.

marsbit03/05 06:28

Bloomberg: Prediction Markets Are Gambling, and Congress Should Regulate Them

marsbit03/05 06:28

Australia’s Financial Regulator Warns of Rising Risks in Crypto and Digital Assets

Australia's financial regulator, ASIC, has issued a warning about increasing risks in the crypto and digital asset sector. In its "Key Issues Outlook 2026" report, ASIC highlights that many crypto companies are growing faster than regulations, creating oversight gaps and exposing everyday investors to potential harm. The regulator notes a significant number of firms operate without licenses, some intentionally avoiding regulation, leading to "perceived regulatory uncertainty" where consumers mistakenly believe these products are protected. ASIC emphasizes that many crypto assets don't clearly fit existing financial laws, and consumers may not fully understand the risks. While Australia has updated financial laws to include rules for companies handling digital assets, ASIC states these are initial steps and more policies are needed. The regulator cautions that using unlicensed platforms carries higher risks with limited legal protections, reaffirming that consumer safety remains a priority despite supporting innovation.

TheNewsCrypto01/27 10:07

Australia’s Financial Regulator Warns of Rising Risks in Crypto and Digital Assets

TheNewsCrypto01/27 10:07

$9.3B lost – Can SAFE Crypto Act ‘protect Americans against scams’?

A bipartisan U.S. Senate group introduced the SAFE Crypto Act to combat rising cryptocurrency fraud, which cost Americans $9.3 billion in losses last year. The bill establishes a federal task force combining Treasury, DOJ, Secret Service, and private crypto firms to improve enforcement, enhance public education, and coordinate internationally. It requires action within 180 days and aims to replace outdated laws with stronger measures against scams.

ambcrypto12/18 12:03

$9.3B lost – Can SAFE Crypto Act ‘protect Americans against scams’?