Model Framework for Consumer Protection and Crypto-Exchanges Regulation

Aleksandr P. Alekseenko ()
Additional contact information
Aleksandr P. Alekseenko: Laboratory for Analysis and Forecasting of Integration Processes in Modern Eurasia of Institute of Philosophy and Law, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia

JRFM, 2023, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: Cross-border insolvency of crypto-exchanges, cyber-risks, transnational character of activities with cryptocurrencies, and financial frauds on the Internet are among the key threats for individuals who use Bitcoin as an investment. Moreover, crypto-exchanges impose consumer agreements containing provisions limiting their liability for hacker attacks and other clauses promoting inequality in relations with investors. All the named obstacles highlight the vulnerability of unsophisticated individuals investing in digital assets and have pointed out the necessity to adopt an internationally recognized model of rules for crypto-exchanges, otherwise, it will be impossible to effectively protect the rights of investors engaged in the activities of intermediaries exchanging and keeping decentralized cryptocurrencies. The purpose of the study is to elaborate on the fundamentals for constructing an international legal framework protecting consumers from risks arising from the activities of crypto-exchanges dealing with decentralized cryptocurrencies. Based on the methodology of comparative legal study, this paper examines the judicial practice of various countries and the legislation of jurisdictions popular among crypto-exchanges. The research explores the nature of Bitcoin, describes the types of crypto-exchanges and discusses the main approaches to crypto-exchanges regulation. It argues that an international framework on crypto-exchanges should be based on understanding Bitcoin as a commodity which is situated in the place of crypto-exchange incorporation, licensing of crypto-exchanges, and self-regulation.

Keywords: Bitcoin; commodity; consumer protection; cryptocurrency; jurisdictional risks; liability; litigation; scam (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C E F2 F3 G (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1911-8074/16/7/305/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1911-8074/16/7/305/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jjrfmx:v:16:y:2023:i:7:p:305-:d:1177483

Access Statistics for this article

JRFM is currently edited by Ms. Chelthy Cheng

More articles in JRFM from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().