New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) President Lynn Martin says she would consider allowing cryptocurrency trading if regulations pertaining to digital coins and tokens were clearer.
Speaking at a conference, Martin said the lack of clear regulatory guidance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an obstacle to the launch of crypto trading on American markets.
“If there was clear regulatory guidance, it would be an opportunity to look at,” said Martin, adding that the popularity of spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) shows that there's investor demand for tradeable crypto products.
The SEC has come under criticism for not providing clear regulatory guidance on cryptocurrencies.
While SEC Chair Gary Gensler has threatened to regulate crypto in the same manner as stocks, the Wall Street regulator has so far failed to enact any such measures, leading to confusion.
At the conference, Martin discussed the changing political stance towards cryptocurrencies, noting the recent passage in the House of Representatives of the “Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act.”
Martin said she remains optimistic about using blockchain technology to make financial processes more efficient, especially for less liquid assets such as municipal bonds.
The price of Bitcoin has increased 54% this year and currently trades at $67,850 U.S.
