Learn about USDT-settled crypto perpetuals, one of the most popular crypto derivatives product, how they work and how you can start trading them.

Crypto perpetuals futures are a type of derivatives product that allows traders to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies with leverage. Traders have the flexibility to go 

 on crypto assets, and keep their positions open for indefinite periods. 

With USDT perpetual futures on Bybit's intuitive and user-friendly trading platform, you can realize these benefits with futures contracts settled in USDT, a leading 

This article will introduce you to USDT-settled crypto perpetuals, and explain how they work and how you can start trading them. No worries — we'll guide you through each step you need to take to get started with USDT perpetual futures trading on Bybit.

What Are USDT Perpetual Futures Contracts?

 are crypto perpetuals settled in Tether USD (USDT), a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar (USD).

 As derivatives, cryptocurrency perpetuals enable you to trade an underlying asset like Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) without an expiration date. While you are obliged to buy or sell traditional futures at expiration, you can hold crypto perpetual contracts indefinitely.

Crypto perpetuals allow you to use leverage to amplify your potential returns and keep your positions open for indefinite periods. They also offer you the flexibility to profit from both upward and downward price movements with long and short trades. Perpetual futures trading can also help you hedge against market risks without owning the underlying asset.

On Bybit, all settlements, margin, and profit and loss (P&L) calculations are denominated in USDT for linear USDT perpetuals. On the other hand, 

, which you can use to generate returns when crypto prices fall, are settled in the underlying asset.

Tether USD (USDT) is the leading stablecoin by market capitalization. As of May 8, 2025, it 

 a $149.5 billion market cap, and a $27.54 billion trading volume in the past 24 hours. USDT is issued and managed by the British Virgin Islands–based Tether Limited. It's owned by iFinex Inc, the same company that operates the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange.

USDT is a fiat-pegged stablecoin that closely follows the price of the U.S. dollar. To ensure the stablecoin's price stability, Tether maintains physical reserves, of which nearly 84% is 

Top Bybit USDT Perpetual Futures by Trading Volume

Bybit has a wide selection of USDT perpetuals that you can trade to speculate on the prices of underlying assets.

As of May 8, 2025, the top five USDT perpetual contracts by 24-hour trading volume on Bybit are 

How Do USDT-Settled Crypto Perpetuals Work?

, crypto perpetuals don't have an expiration date, and can be held indefinitely. Since they don't expire, no physical delivery of the underlying asset is necessary. Instead, perpetual contracts are settled in cash, and their primary purpose is to enable traders to speculate on crypto prices without owning the underlying asset. On Bybit, settlement takes place in the USDT stablecoin for USDT perpetuals, and USDC for 

Because they lack an expiration date, crypto perpetuals rely on the funding rate mechanism to track the underlying asset's price. The funding rate can be positive or negative, and can change based on how close the futures price is to the spot price.

A positive funding rate indicates an overall bullish market sentiment. When the futures price is trading at a higher level than the spot price, buyers (longs) are required to pay sellers (shorts) the funding amount. In contrast, a negative funding rate is generally a signal of bearish market sentiment. Here, longs pay shorts the funding amount (as the futures price is lower than the spot price).

Key Metrics for USDT Perpetual Futures Contracts

In addition to the funding rate, some of the key metrics of USDT perpetual futures contracts include the following.

Bybit is a user-friendly and intuitive trading platform with a wide selection of USDT perpetuals. Thus, it’s an excellent choice for both veteran traders and beginning traders seeking to dabble in perpetual futures trading.

In the following section, you'll find a comprehensive guide that guides you through each step to get started with crypto perpetual futures trading on Bybit.

The first step to get started with USDT perpetual futures trading on Bybit is to open a 

. A UTA is mandatory in order to trade perpetuals on the platform. and will provide you with a tailored trading experience, account finances and 

For new users, Bybit will automatically open a UTA. Simply 

If you have a Standard Account with Bybit, you can upgrade it to a UTA by clicking on 

You can also upgrade your account by clicking on 

After reading the account's details, as well as acknowledging Bybit's Trading Rules and Terms of Service, click on 

Once your Unified Trading Account is ready, the next step is to fund it with crypto or fiat currency. Head to the 

Select your preferred cryptocurrency, the blockchain from which you’ll make the transaction, and 

 for auto-channeling deposits. Always ensure that you’ve chosen the correct network in order to prevent a loss of funds. After doing so, copy/paste the wallet address or scan the QR code with your phone's camera to initiate the deposit from your wallet.

You can also fund your account with fiat currency via the 

With a funded Unified Trading Account, it's time to open a new USDT perpetuals position on Bybit. To do that, click on 

 tab. In this guide, we’ll open a position in the 

After analyzing the chart and determining an entry point, use the trading widget on the right to open your position.

, which will apply to your account. You can choose between the following options.

Once you’ve chosen your margin mode, the next step is to set the leverage for the trade. Use the slide to select a value between 1x and 100x, and click on 

Next, select an order type for your trade from the following choices.

After selecting your order type, set the order amount for the trade. You can order either by quantity, denominated in the underlying asset, or by value, denominated in USDT.

order to manage your risks efficiently. You can do that by ticking the box next to 

 to open a short USDT perpetual position. Your order will automatically be executed by Bybit's robust matching engine, based on the provided parameters.

Step 4: Manage Your Crypto Perpetuals Positions

 at the bottom of the trading page. In this menu, you can view and manage all your past and current orders and their P&L.

Maintenance Margin Requirements for Leveraged USDT Perpetual Positions

A margin balance is necessary to keep your USDT perpetuals positions open on Bybit. Margin is calculated based on individual positions for both isolated margin and cross margin accounts. 

However, you can only use the settlement asset (USDT) to trade USDT perpetuals in 

. If the market price reaches the liquidation price, liquidation is triggered

On the other hand, Bybit converts all the collateralized assets in your account into USD value in 

 mode. Unlike for isolated accounts, a liquidation is only triggered when the account MMR reaches 100%.

How to Calculate Position Sizing Using Position Calculator

In perpetual futures trading, position sizing determines the amount of capital you put at risk. It’s a critical aspect of risk management that helps you decide the optimal size for your trades.

You can use Bybit's Calculator by clicking on the 

 icon next to the leverage settings in the trading widget to estimate the right sizing, based on your 

For example, suppose you go long on the BTCUSDT crypto perpetuals contract. With a 1 BTC order quantity and 10x leverage, you can generate a 14.48% return on investment (ROI) with 1,070.5 USDT in profits by opening your position at the price of 73,929.5 USDT and closing it at 75,000 USDT.

Advanced Tools for USDT Perpetuals Trading

You can also take advantage of the following advanced tools to trade USDT perpetuals.

Getting Started With USDT Perpetual Futures on Bybit

Crypto perpetuals allow you to amplify your position size with leverage, and open both long and short positions without an expiration date.

With Bybit's user-friendly and intuitive trading platform

,you can trade a wide selection of USDT futures with competitive fees, up to 100x leverage and access to top-tier liquidity.

However, understanding the risks involved and efficiently managing them are critical for traders' long-term success in the perpetual futures market. Tools such as Stop Loss and Take Profit orders can help reduce your potential losses and maximize profits.

Intermediate

usdt perpetuals.png

How to Trade USDT Perpetual Futures on Bybit

In our latest Learn 101 livestream session, crypto experts shared insights on the shifting dynamics of the stablecoin ecosystem.

 are making a comeback, but this time, the competition is heating up. While 

 continues to dominate the market, a new wave of 

 is emerging, each with its own proposition. From institutional-backed tokens to 

, the race is on to determine which stablecoin will take the lead. What sets these newcomers apart — and could any of them realistically challenge USDT’s throne?

, we tackle the big question: Newcomers vs. USDT: Who Will Win?

, provides a recap of our Learn 101 livestreams, offering you comprehensive expertise and insights from leading figures in the crypto industry in case you miss the livestream.

Joining the livestream on Apr 24, 2025, were two distinguished guests: Paz Gonzalez, trader and founder of 

magazine, and Jip Molenaar, full-time trader and co-founder of Tribe Capital. Under the moderation of Sabrina Chua, Crypto Evangelist and Senior Content Strategist at Bybit, this episode takes a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the stablecoin ecosystem.

Why the world is suddenly crazy about stablecoins

Stablecoins are once again making headlines — but what’s driving this renewed momentum? Several key developments have pushed stablecoins into the mainstream conversation, including Donald Trump’s recent proposal for a 

. According to Paz Gonzalez, these announcements signal a broader shift tied to the weakening influence of the US dollar. In times like these, stablecoins could gain mass adoption, giving governments a way to reassert monetary control through a digital proxy.

Jip Molenaar agrees with Gonzalez, adding that Bitcoin is unlikely to become the world’s primary currency, despite what many once believed. Instead, Molenaar sees Bitcoin’s future role as that of a store of value — 

 — while stablecoins will take on the role of everyday money, used for payments, bill settlements and daily transactions. 

, Molenaar argues, has helped bring digital assets into the political mainstream, making the concept of crypto usage more palatable to the general public than ever before.

Molenaar also shares his personal experience transitioning from euros to USDT, a process he describes as challenging and significant. Living in Europe, switching to a US dollar–pegged stablecoin wasn’t easy — and that’s precisely why he believes most users won’t readily jump to new alternatives. For many, USDT and 

Paz sees Fidelity’s entry into stablecoins as a bullish signal for the industry. As a well-established and trusted financial institution, Fidelity’s involvement could sway skeptics who have traditionally avoided crypto. Its participation brings credibility — and potentially, a new wave of adoption.

He also emphasizes that the legitimacy of any currency, fiat or crypto, depends upon being backed by a clear source of value. Historically, 

. For stablecoins to earn that trust, the same principle applies — they must be transparently backed. Today, more investors recognize that leading stablecoins are supported by reserves, and are subject to increasing regulatory oversight.

However, despite this progress, Molenaar remains cautious. He warns that another event like the 

 is still possible if stablecoins aren’t properly backed and transparently managed. Without clear support mechanisms, he believes trust will erode — and widespread adoption will stall.

USDT currently holds the largest market share among all stablecoins and is the most actively traded. Molenaar attributes this dominance to the convenience and wide acceptance of USDT across trading platforms. He points out that the infrastructure for USDT is already deeply entrenched in the crypto ecosystem, making it far easier to execute trades and move funds. Because of this strong foundation, he believes it will be extremely difficult for any competing stablecoin to unseat USDT.

Gonzalez agrees: while she personally holds some USDC, she says that when people ask her to send a stablecoin, it’s almost always USDT. Even though USDC has made efforts to challenge USDT’s dominance, Gonzalez doesn’t see that happening anytime soon — if ever. She also underscores the fact that stablecoins like USDT aren't meant to be investments in the way Bitcoin or altcoins are. Instead, they serve more practical purposes, facilitating transactions and providing stable on-chain alternatives to fiat.

Molenaar adds that older generations, particularly baby boomers, tend to wait until new markets are validated by trusted institutions before getting involved. With firms like Fidelity now backing crypto through 

 (ETFs) and exploring stablecoin adoption, that validation is underway. Because Fidelity has integrated USDT into its ecosystem, Molenaar believes that conservative investors will naturally gravitate toward it over less familiar alternatives.

Gonzalez also shares her approach to risk management. Rather than going all-in on one asset, she diversifies and experiments cautiously — allocating small amounts to new opportunities. 

, for example, is one method she uses to generate passive income while testing out new protocols or tokens.

When it comes to adoption, Gonzalez sees real-world use cases driving interest in stablecoins. She mentions the new Wyoming stablecoin, which offers local taxpayers a slight reduction on their annual tax bills. While its benefits may currently apply to a small group, she believes this kind of practical utility is crucial. To achieve broader adoption, stablecoins — including smaller, emerging ones — need meaningful use cases tied to local economies. 

Still, for global accessibility and widespread usage, she maintains that a well-established option such as USDT is essential.

Stablecoins and trading — what really matters to traders

Molenaar is all-in on USDT, choosing to avoid the risks that come with lesser-known stablecoins. For him, USDT offers the highest liquidity and the lowest risk, due to its widespread adoption. While he's open to switching if a new, dominant stablecoin emerges, he’s not willing to gamble on smaller or less established options at this time.

Gonzalez adds an important perspective: stablecoins don’t just enable transactions — they also reflect the health and movement of the broader crypto market. Since stablecoins support liquidity within cryptocurrency networks, their flows can signal shifts in underlying asset trends. Traders are beginning to pay more attention to this relationship.

While most stablecoins are backed by USD, some stablecoin creators are now exploring alternative pegs, such as gold. But for Gonzalez, the backing isn't the main concern: usability is. She prioritizes the ease with which a stablecoin can be used for trading. In her view, investors today care more about functionality and integration with platforms than the specific assets backing the coin. 

Molenaar agrees, adding that ease of use often comes down to habit — knowing the ins and outs of how to trade with a particular coin saves time and effort. He also points out that staking stablecoins typically yields higher returns than do traditional bank savings accounts. That’s one reason he keeps minimal funds in banks — in addition to his distrust of the traditional banking system. He prefers to let his funds work for him through stablecoin staking.

Gonzalez also sticks with USDT because of its simplicity and reliability. She takes a cautious, thoughtful approach to her finances, due to her awareness of how hard she works to earn her money. When trading with USDT, she invests time in researching opportunities. Therefore, she believes that having a deep understanding of stablecoins is crucial in order to make smart financial decisions.

Both Molenaar and Gonzalez highlight the importance of using a trusted platform when holding and trading stablecoins. Molenaar uses Bybit because he feels confident his funds are secure there, and Gonzalez echoes this sentiment — rather than spreading her assets across multiple exchanges, she sticks with Bybit for its reliability and trustworthiness.

This episode of Learn 101 offers a thought-provoking look at the battle between emerging stablecoins and the reigning stablecoin leader, USDT. While newer stablecoins may bring niche advantages and localized utility, USDT’s deep liquidity, global reach and entrenched usage continue to give it a clear edge. For now, USDT remains the go-to choice. But as the ecosystem continues to evolve, the race is far from over.

Bybit Learn Livestream Newcomers vs. USDT: Who will win? featured image

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Learn Live ICYMI: Can the upcoming stablecoins beat USDT?

Bybit Megadrop is a token launch platform that lets users earn free airdrops by subscribing to Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plans and completing simple tasks.

The crypto world never sleeps — and neither do opportunities to earn. One of the most exciting ways to get in early on promising projects is through token launches, whereby new cryptocurrencies are introduced to the market. Traditionally, early participation comes with barriers: you might need to stake, trade heavily or rely on luck in oversubscribed launchpads.

Bybit Megadrop changes the game by offering a more rewarding and accessible way to earn free tokens before they hit the market — all while growing your savings.

In this article, we’ll explain what Bybit Megadrop is, how it works, the benefits of joining, how to participate and whether it’s the right fit for your crypto strategy.

 is a token launch platform that lets users earn free 

 by subscribing to Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plans and completing simple tasks.

This new platform integrates Bybit Earn with early-stage 

 projects, giving users exclusive access to rewards before tokens go live on the Bybit Spot market. Think of it as a smarter, more educational and risk-free way to “airdrop farm” — but with real structure and substance.

Bybit Megadrop combines savings, learning and rewards into a unified experience. Here's how the flow works.

1. Subscribe to a Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plan

To participate, users must first subscribe to a Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plan using eligible tokens specified on the event page. These tokens could include MNT, USDT, USDC or BBSOL. This isn't just a gateway to Megadrop — it's also a way to grow your holdings. While your funds are locked for a fixed period, you earn interest through Bybit Earn.

This subscription acts as your entry ticket to Megadrop.

Once you’ve subscribed, you’re entitled to a portion of the airdrop rewards from the featured token’s project. These airdrops are typically distributed before the token is publicly listed on Bybit, giving you early exposure and the potential for upside if the token gains traction post-listing.

The amount of airdrop you receive depends upon your subscription amount, the total amount subscribed by all participants and whether you complete additional side tasks.

Please note that you will need to claim your airdrop rewards manually once the event ends.

3. Complete side tasks for bonus airdrops

To boost your airdrop share, you can complete optional side tasks. These tasks are simple, and are meant to educate users about the project and keep them engaged on the Bybit platform. Examples include:

Completing more tasks will grant you more points, which essentially results in a larger share of the token airdrop pool.

Bybit Megadrop isn’t just another airdrop campaign — it’s a win-win experience for users looking to maximize value with minimal risk.

The best thing about Bybit Megadrop is that when you subscribe to a Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plan, you don’t just earn the plan's regular APR — you also get free airdrop tokens. It's passive income layered with passive rewards.

Taking part in Bybit Megadrop will enable you to obtain tokens before they hit the Spot market, which could offer potential upside if the token rallies post-listing.

The barrier to entry is low, and there’s no need to buy or stake new tokens. You simply use what you already have in savings, and get rewarded on top of your fixed return — with no strings attached.

Looking to upsize your earnings? Simply complete more side tasks to earn more points. This way, you’ll be able to increase your chance of getting more tokens airdropped to your account.

Now that you have a better understanding of what Bybit Megadrop is, let’s explore how you can get started. If you don’t already have a Bybit account, you’ll need to create one. You can also check out our 

: Log in to your Bybit account and hover your cursor over the 

Select the event you would like to participate in. You will then need to subscribe to a Fixed-Term Savings plan on Bybit Earn to accumulate points. The eligible plans will be listed under the corresponding project on the Megadrop page. 

You may also complete tasks with point multipliers to earn points faster.

Once the event ends, the airdrop you receive will be based on your share of points earned in each pool.

Bybit Megadrop is designed for all types of crypto users, from beginners to veterans, and offers a compelling, low-risk way to access new token launches.

If you're someone who’s already using Bybit Earn, then Bybit Megadrop is a natural next step. It enhances the value of your fixed-term savings by layering on free token airdrops from promising web3 projects. You get to earn both APR and tokens, without having to take on additional investment risk.

Even if you’re new to Bybit, Megadrop makes participating in token launches easier and more rewarding. There’s no need to buy new or volatile assets — just deposit what you already have into a Fixed-Term Savings plan. That’s it — and you’re now eligible for airdrops.

For users who enjoy completing tasks or learning about new projects, the optional side missions are a fun way to earn additional tokens while becoming more familiar with the web3 ecosystem. If you're a retail user looking to stretch your capital, these tasks give you a chance to unlock a much larger share of rewards.

In short, if you're looking for a safe, flexible and engaging way to access new tokens early (without spending more or risking your funds), then you’ll absolutely want to consider joining Bybit Megadrop.

Bybit Megadrop combines the best of both worlds: steady earnings from savings and exciting token rewards from new projects. It’s a win for long-term holders, risk-averse users and web3 explorers alike.

Ready to try it? Subscribe, complete a few tasks and claim your share of the next big token — before anyone else!

Beginner

Bybit Megadrop.png

Bybit Megadrop: A smarter way to earn airdrops from new tokens

Tezos’ Rio upgrade enhances staking flexibility, speeds up operations 3x, and allocates 10% rewards to boost L2 adoption via the Data Availability Layer (DAL). 

The S&P 500 futures rose after news of US-China trade talks, rebounding from Tuesday’s 0.77% decline as investors await the Fed’s rate decision and Powell’s guidance. Gold climbed above $3,400, buoyed by a weaker US dollar and risk-off sentiment, and is technically bullish with momentum targeting a retest of the $3,500 record high ahead of the Fed’s policy decision. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, rose 1.64%, with Bitcoin up 0.69% and Ether down 1.87%, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is KAITO, which surged 39.2% after Kaito AI announced $71M in distributed rewards and unveiled upcoming products.

Kaito (KAITO), founded in 2022, is a $1,099/month AI-powered crypto search engine that aggregates data from web3 sources like Twitter, Discord, and forums, using advanced AI to deliver context-rich, sentiment-filtered insights. Kaito AI has 

 over $71M in rewards to users within 5 months of launching Yaps, excluding the upcoming $KAITO airdrop, with more products like Kaito Earn, Connect v2, and Capital Launchpad on the way.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 upgrade enhances staking flexibility, speeds up operations 3x, and allocates 10% rewards to boost L2 adoption via the Data Availability Layer (DAL). It reduces staking cycle times from 3 days to 1, tightens baker inactivity rules for better network resili`ence, and strengthens Tezos’ position for L2 scalability and user experience improvements.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETFs saw total outflows of $122.4M, with $89.9M from GBTC and $32.5M from non-GBTC funds.

, a decentralized bandwidth marketplace, launched its node for users to earn points and qualify for a future airdrop by sharing unused internet. Users can run a free node, earn 1 point every 10 minutes, and boost earnings via quests and referral codes.

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Tezos Rio upgrade boosts staking speed and L2 incentives with improved network resilience

Bybit Learn

Crypto

Is crypto a commodity or security is a commonly asked question? Still confused? Let's decipher it now.

The classification of cryptocurrencies is a highly debated topic in the crypto industry. Investors often question whether cryptos should be considered commodities, securities or another category altogether. This matter significantly impacts the legal status, taxation and regulation of digital assets, as well as their potential for adoption and innovation. This blog post will dive into the ongoing debate between commodity and security classification within the crypto world and explore how various jurisdictions and authorities tackle this issue.

Understanding Crypto: Is It a Commodity or a Security?

Before addressing the commodity vs. security debate, we first need to define these terms. A commodity is an exchangeable commercial good, like raw materials or agricultural products. Commodities are often used to produce other goods and services. Examples of commodities include gold, oil, wheat and coffee. Commodity trading often takes place on futures markets, where contracts are created to buy or sell a commodity at a predetermined price and date.

On the other hand, a security is a tradable financial instrument with monetary value. It represents claims on the issuer’s assets or future cash flows. Common securities include stocks, bonds, 

. They are typically traded on exchanges or over-the-counter markets, where buyers and sellers agree on a price and quantity. Securities are subject to various laws and regulations, depending upon the jurisdiction.

Classifying crypto assets as commodities or securities depends upon specific characteristics, such as purpose, functionality and governance. For example, specific cryptocurrencies are designed to serve as a store of value, means of exchange or unit of account, while others provide access to a network, platform or service. Some cryptocurrencies are decentralized and distributed among many nodes, while others are essentially centralized and controlled by a single entity. Likewise, some cryptocurrencies have a fixed supply and issuance schedule while others have variable or inflationary supply mechanisms.

Due to these factors, different authorities and jurisdictions view and treat crypto assets differently. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regards Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that function as substitutes for 

, to be considered commodities under the 

 considers specific cryptocurrencies to be securities, according to the 

. This includes cryptocurrencies issued through 

 (ICOs) or token sales, whereby investors expect to receive a return on their investment from the efforts of others.

Classifying Bitcoin: Commodity or Security?

The world's first and most beloved cryptocurrency is Bitcoin. It was created in 2009 by a person or persons going by the pseudonym of 

 prevention (i.e., no one can spend the same digital currency at the same time) rely on a 

 (P2P) network that uses cryptography. The currency has a finite supply of 21 million coins created through mining, a process by which computers compete to solve complex mathematical problems and earn rewards in bitcoins.

 (rather than a security) by most authorities and 

jurisdictions because it has no central issuer or authority controlling its creation or distribution. It also does not confer any ownership or debt rights to its holders. 

 primarily as a decentralized digital currency that users can rely on for payments or transfers, without intermediaries or censorship.

 stated since 2015 that Bitcoin and other virtual currencies are commodities under the CEA. This stance means that Bitcoin futures and options contracts are subject to the CFTC's oversight and regulation. The CFTC has also brought 

 against entities that they believe have engaged in fraud or manipulation involving Bitcoin or other virtual currencies.

, "Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are not securities, but rather are types of currencies." However, he also warned that "just because something is a currency does not mean that it cannot also be a security." He added, "If a cryptocurrency or a product with its value tied to one or more cryptocurrencies is a security, our securities laws apply."

The SEC is the main regulator of securities in the U.S. Its mission is to protect investors, maintain fair and orderly markets, and facilitate capital formation. It has the authority to enforce federal securities laws and regulate the securities industry, including securities exchanges, brokers, dealers, investment advisers and rating agencies.

The SEC has been actively involved in crypto since 2017, when it issued 

 that raised funds through an ICO in 2016. The SEC concluded that The DAO’s tokens were securities under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act, and that The DAO and its promoters violated the registration and disclosure requirements of these laws. It also warned that other ICOs or token sales may be subject to the same rules and regulations.

Since then, the SEC has brought several enforcement actions against crypto projects that are believed to have violated its securities laws. Some of these include Telegram, Kik, Block.one, Ripple and BitClave. The SEC has also issued guidance and statements on various aspects of crypto regulation, such as the framework for determining whether a digital asset is a security, the application of the 

 to crypto assets, the registration and reporting requirements for crypto securities, and the custody and trading rules for crypto assets.

 as being too restrictive, unclear or inconsistent, arguing that the SEC's definition of security is too broad and vague, and stifles innovation and competition in the crypto industry. Others claim that the SEC's enforcement actions are selective and arbitrary and don’t provide enough guidance or clarity for crypto entrepreneurs and investors. And still others contend that the SEC's jurisdiction over crypto assets is limited or questionable — and it should defer to other regulators or lawmakers.

The Impact of Classification on the Future of Crypto

The legal classification of crypto assets as either commodities or securities has far-reaching implications for their regulation, taxation and market potential. Commodities are typically subject to less stringent rules and regulations than securities, and they aren’t required to register with regulators or disclose information to investors or the public. 

Additionally, commodities are taxed differently than securities, and capital gains tax is applied when commodities are sold or exchanged. Conversely, securities are subject to more rigorous regulations, and they must register with the SEC or obtain an exemption before being sold to investors. They must also comply with various disclosure and reporting requirements to investors and regulators, and are subject to greater oversight and enforcement actions. 

Securities may offer more protection and assurance to investors who seek security and transparency in their investments and benefit from greater recognition by regulators and institutions. On the other hand, commodities may feature more liquidity and accessibility because they can be created without registration, fostering innovation and experimentation in the crypto space. However, securities may be available to more institutional capital and provide more funding and resources to crypto projects, which can foster widespread interest.

The Implications of Cryptocurrency as a Security

The distinction between commodities and securities holds significant legal and regulatory implications for those involved in the crypto market. Commodities, such as gold, oil and wheat, can be traded on a market. Conversely, securities represent ownership or debt claims on an entity, including stocks, bonds and derivatives. Securities are subject to more regulation than commodities, with complex rules and oversight agencies in place to ensure market integrity and protect investors.

Determining whether a crypto asset is a commodity or security depends upon the asset's nature, design and purpose; the rights and obligations of the parties involved; and market participants' expectations. For instance, Bitcoin, the first successful and most popular cryptocurrency, is widely regarded as a commodity because it’s a scarce and fungible digital good that can be exchanged for other goods and services. However, some cryptocurrencies — especially those issued through ICOs or granting holders certain benefits or privileges within a network or platform — may be deemed securities as they resemble equity or debt instruments.

 that possess features of securities and are bound by securities laws and regulations. They can assume different forms, such as coins, tokens or shares, and can represent a range of rights or claims like ownership, profit sharing, voting, access or utility. Typically, crypto securities are issued through ICOs or other crowdfunding platforms, whereby the issuers collect funds from investors in exchange for crypto tokens that confer specific benefits or entitlements.

However, crypto securities present a host of challenges and risks for both regulators and investors. On the one hand, 

 and frameworks to decentralized, global and ever-evolving crypto assets. On the other hand, investors face uncertainties and vulnerabilities when dealing with crypto assets that are volatile, illiquid and susceptible to fraud or manipulation. As a result, all parties involved in crypto securities must exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence.

The regulation of crypto assets varies greatly across different countries and jurisdictions. Some nations embrace crypto innovation and adoption, while others remain cautious and restrictive. Some have established clear and comprehensive rules and guidelines for crypto assets, while others have vague or inconsistent regulations. Certain countries determine the status of each crypto asset through a case-by-case approach based on its features and functions. Meanwhile, others have taken a broad-brush approach, categorizing most or all crypto assets as securities or commodities.

Countries such as Switzerland, Singapore, Malta, Japan, Canada and the U.K. are known for their favorable and clear regulations governing crypto assets. These nations acknowledge the potential benefits of crypto innovation, and have provided regulatory clarity and legal certainty for crypto businesses and investors. In contrast, countries like China, India, Russia, Iran and Venezuela have unclear or unfavorable regulations for crypto assets. These nations have imposed restrictions or even bans on crypto activities, leading to legal ambiguity and uncertainty for crypto stakeholders.

Overall, the regulatory landscape for crypto assets is complex and constantly evolving. Businesses and investors need to stay informed and up-to-date on the regulation of crypto assets in different countries and jurisdictions to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Crypto assets are a diverse and evolving digital asset category with different implications for regulators, investors and users, depending upon their classification as commodities or securities. The classification of crypto assets isn’t always straightforward or consistent across different jurisdictions, and may change over time as the crypto industry develops and matures. Therefore, all parties involved in the crypto space must stay informed on the latest events and trends in crypto regulation. Investors need to understand the relevant jurisdictions and perform 

Commodity vs. Security: Does It Matter If Crypto Is a Security?

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