Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson has weighed in on the state of the cryptocurrency industry, saying that it is important for the industry to accept that more regulations are coming – whether they like it or not. Speaking at CoinDesk’s Consensus Festival, Johnson stated that the future of the industry “will be regulated,” and that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin were a “distraction” from crypto’s real innovation, blockchain technology.
While many in the cryptocurrency industry have been vocal about the need for regulations to provide clarity and reduce uncertainty, others have argued that too much regulation could stifle innovation and hinder growth. However, Johnson believes that more regulation is inevitable, and that it’s better for companies to engage directly with regulators as they develop new products.
Johnson also noted that different areas of the world are more advanced and comfortable with cryptocurrencies than others. She named Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE as examples of crypto-friendly jurisdictions, and said that Franklin Templeton, which manages $1.5 trillion in assets, has been in close contact with regulators outside the US as well.
Despite the regulatory uncertainty, Johnson remains bullish on the potential for blockchain technology to disrupt the financial industry. According to Johnson, blockchain technology could open investment opportunities for asset managers by reducing friction and eliminating “toll takers” that currently waste resources.
While some may view Johnson’s comments as a call for more regulation, others may see them as a recognition of the need for a balanced approach. As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream acceptance and adoption, it’s clear that they will need to operate within a regulatory framework that protects consumers and promotes innovation.
At the same time, it’s important for regulators to avoid stifling innovation by imposing overly burdensome regulations that limit the ability of companies to explore new use cases and business models. Finding the right balance between regulation and innovation will be crucial to the long-term success of the cryptocurrency industry.
