5 Ways Governments Will Suppress Crypto Growth

The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has presented numerous early adopters with the potential to make a fortune. But while much of the public enthusiasm around digital assets is driven by the perception of them as liberating tools, governments around the globe are doubling down on their efforts to exert control over this new technology. Here are 5 ways in which governments may suppress the growth of cryptocurrency:

Outright bans: Governments can ban the buying, selling and holding of cryptocurrencies within their jurisdictions. This is especially true for countries that enforce strict capital controls or develop their own state-backed cryptocurrencies.

Regulating technology: Governments are beginning to regulate both personal and business usage of blockchain technology, with some introducing stringent laws such as strict KYC requirements for digital asset users.

Taxation: Governments have implemented various forms of taxation on cryptocurrency transactions, ranging from sales taxes to capital gains taxes applied to profits made from trading digital assets.

Monitoring exchanges: Governments regularly monitor online exchanges where traders can buy and sell cryptocurrencies in order to identify suspicious activity and enforce regulations.

Stifling innovation: Governments can also impede progress within cryptocurrency development by obstructing key players in this field with restrictive rules or hostile attitudes towards new projects and initiatives related to digital assets

As many governments seek to balance investor protection with allowing innovation and growth in these new markets, it’s clear that regulatory uncertainty surrounding blockchain-based technologies will remain for some time yet. In order for crypto-adopters to get ahead of any potential government clampdowns, they must stay abreast of their local regulatory regimes governing cryptoassets at all times or risk penalties or sanctions should they run afoul of local laws on cryptospeculation or money laundering activities related to digital currencies.