The rise of blockchain and cryptoassets in 2017 caused significant headaches to regulators around the world. Price volatility, significant interest from retail and institutional investors alike, the launch of Bitcoin futures on major regulated exchanges, along with a daily presence in mainstream media meant cryptoassets are becoming validated as a new asset class of their own.
In the traditional finance world, regulators oversee financial markets to make sure there are adequate rules in place that balance the interests of all parties involved. On one hand, they need to protect retail investors (private individuals) who are considered potentially vulnerable due to lack of experience and expertise in evaluating market risk and making investment decisions. On the other hand, regulators should also help maintain efficient and orderly capital markets...