California’s Digital Financial Assets Law: A New Regulatory Framework

California recently introduced its Digital Financial Assets Law, following in the footsteps of New York’s BitLicense. The law, signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, is set to take effect in July 2025. It aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the state’s crypto industry.

Echoes of New York’s BitLicense

The introduction of California’s BitLicense bill has raised concerns among crypto industry players, drawing parallels to the controversial 2015 BitLicense in New York. At that time, the New York BitLicense faced criticism and led several major crypto companies, including Kraken, Bitfinex, and LocalBitcoins, to exit the state.

A Different Approach?

Some in the industry wonder if California’s BitLicense will take a different path. Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, expressed cautious optimism about the law’s implementation.

California’s Crypto Landscape

California is home to a significant portion of the United States’ blockchain firms, including major players like Block, headed by Jack Dorsey. The concern among industry insiders is that, similar to New York’s BitLicense, vague regulations may drive digital asset companies away.

The bill, as it stands, “would prohibit a person from engaging in digital financial asset business activity” without meeting specific criteria. However, the current wording of the bill is considered ambiguous, which raises concerns within the industry. According to Peter Herzog, Associate Director of Government Affairs at the Crypto Council for Innovation, the terms in the bill could unintentionally restrict unrelated activities.

Challenges and Ambiguities

One of the bill’s ambiguities is its potential requirement for decentralized systems to obtain a license, merely due to the emergency pause functionality of their smart contracts. Additionally, it remains unclear whether non-fungible tokens (NFTs) fall under the bill’s scope and what the fate of non-fiat stablecoins will be.

Governor’s Response

Governor Newsom’s response to the bill adds a layer of complexity. Notably, he expressed the need for further refinement due to the bill’s ambiguities. This statement was seen as a positive signal by industry participants.

Industry Responses

Coinbase, while expressing concerns about the bill’s ambiguities, stated that they had no immediate plans to leave the state.

Kraken, a San Francisco-based crypto company, has adopted a more measured stance in response to the California bill. They remain committed to collaborating with California lawmakers and regulatory bodies to ensure high-quality services for their California clients.

Consensys, a blockchain and software company with a significant presence in California, is closely monitoring the bill’s progress. Bill Hughes, Senior Counsel, and Director of Global Regulatory Matters at Consensys, acknowledged that financial legislation tends to be ambiguous. However, the company is actively involved in shaping the legislation and ensuring that regulators understand the industry’s risks.

A Path Forward

Despite the challenges, there is optimism within the industry. Industry participants are eager to work with the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) to shape the regulations effectively. The goal is to narrow the statute’s scope and provide clarity for future licensees through further legislation.

In summary

California’s Digital Financial Assets Law presents both opportunities and challenges for the crypto industry, and its ultimate impact will depend on how ambiguities are addressed and regulations are refined.