Gensler is not accustomed to sharing two different cryptocurrency posts in one week, and it is certain that we are going through an abnormal period. Tomorrow the final ETF decision will be released, and everyone seems quite confident about the approval. Gensler also shared a message full of warnings for crypto today. He quoted his agency’s recent article on cryptocurrency risks.
Cryptocurrency Warnings
Gensler said “be careful if you’re considering investing in cryptocurrencies” and warned that “crypto securities may be marketed as new opportunities, but there are serious risks involved.” In doing so, he was quoting an article published by SEC staff.
The article that draws attention to the risks of cryptocurrencies and the vulnerability of investors points out the increasing excitement. The article contains the following section;
“Should you buy the latest cryptocurrency or token? I can’t tell you how many people have asked me whether they should invest in Bitcoin. Recently, I conducted an investor education program at a retirement community, and a woman asked me, ‘My kids keep telling me to hurry up and invest in Bitcoin – is it safe, or have I already missed the boat?'”
An SEC official says;
“Those interested in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency investments are not just the elderly. Millennials are also joining this craze. Although I cannot give investment advice about Bitcoin or any other investment or product related to cryptocurrencies, I can offer some advice on considerations you should take into account when deciding whether an investment is right for you.
Perhaps the most important thing to know is that the markets for cryptocurrency-related investments are very different from our regulated securities markets. For example, our securities laws provide important protections that you may not get when dealing with cryptocurrency-related investments. In many cases, you may not know exactly who you are dealing with, where your money is going, or what you are getting in return. For more detailed information, you can check out the Investor Education and Advocacy Office’s investor bulletin on ICOs.”
It goes on to talk about how crypto is less secure, subject to massive price movements due to marketing and hype, and the risks involved. Finally, it issues the following warning;
“If you choose to buy cryptocurrencies or tokens, remember that they are new. There can be a significant risk in investing your money in something that has not been around for a very long time. A good rule when investing in a new product is to invest only the money you are willing to lose, so it won’t be financially devastating if the investment doesn’t pan out. One way to spread the risk is to diversify your investments. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This way, if one of your investments loses money, the others can make up for it.
Cryptocurrencies may be today’s bright, new opportunity, but there are serious risks involved. Be cautious, do your research, evaluate your financial goals, and most importantly, don’t flip a coin when making investment decisions.”
The “bright and new opportunities” section at the end of this article penned by Lori Schock, Director of the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, is promising.
