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SEC clarifies its position on proof-of-work crypto mining

Image of a pile of bitcoins.
Photo: Chesnot/Getty Images

SEC staff issued a statement to say that proof-of-work mining does not involve the offer and sale of securities; Commissioner Crenshaw downplays the impact.

The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance has issued a statement that certain proof-of-work (PoW) mining activities do not constitute securities offerings under federal securities laws. 

The Division’s statement focuses on what is called “Protocol Mining” of covered crypto assets on PoW networks. This type of mining