Regulating Bitcoin: On What Grounds?

Luther, William J. 2016. "Regulating Bitcoin: On What Grounds?" In Reframing Financial Regulation: Enhancing Stability and Protecting Consumers, Hester Peirce and Benjamin Klutsey (eds.). Arlington, VA: Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

25 Pages Posted: 17 Jul 2015 Last revised: 22 May 2018

See all articles by William J. Luther

William J. Luther

Florida Atlantic University; American Institute for Economic Research

Date Written: May 13, 2016

Abstract

Bitcoin is a relatively new technology with much promise. As the world’s first successful cryptocurrency, it seems likely to lower the costs of transacting. Nonetheless, many regulators hold a strong presumption that something must be done. I considered the popular justifications for regulating bitcoin with the idea of efficient regulation in mind. I also offer some simple guidelines for regulators to keep in mind while moving forward.

Keywords: Bitcoin, Budgetary Policy, Consumer Protection, Cryptocurrency, Drug Trade, Illegal Transactions, Illegal Transfers, Macroeconomic Policy, Monetary Policy, Regulation, Silk Road, Terrorism

JEL Classification: E41, E42, E50, G21, G23, G28

Suggested Citation

Luther, William J., Regulating Bitcoin: On What Grounds? (May 13, 2016). Luther, William J. 2016. "Regulating Bitcoin: On What Grounds?" In Reframing Financial Regulation: Enhancing Stability and Protecting Consumers, Hester Peirce and Benjamin Klutsey (eds.). Arlington, VA: Mercatus Center at George Mason University., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2631307 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2631307

William J. Luther (Contact Author)

Florida Atlantic University ( email )

777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.wluther.com

American Institute for Economic Research ( email )

PO Box 1000
Great Barrington, MA 01230
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.aier.org/staff/william-j-luther

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