In the crypto-asset world, there are many divergent opinions on the appropriate way to supervise the sector. Some are philosophical, others more practical. Should there be a role for intermediaries in a marketplace for assets that come from a network designed to be decentralised? Or should assets tethered to a network that was intended to be trust-less be supervised by government regulators? Could these elements co-exist, albeit awkwardly, or can all the above be accommodated?

I continue to believe that the supervision of crypto assets will be beneficial for investors, the public and network creators seeking to generate interest in crypto projects. Investors – as opposed to the retail speculator – should become more comfortable with investing in crypto assets if there is adequate supervision of the sector. The question is what form this should take and what role self-regulatory organisations (SROs) can play.