Researching Cryptocurrency Laws and Regulations

As the use of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, continues to rise, so do researchers' interests in the laws and regulations about cryptocurrencies. The Law Library of Congress has compiled a list of resources to assist researchers looking for more information: United States Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Resources. This list includes links to the federal agencies that have, so far, been issuing regulatory guidance, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Also included are links to the National Conference of State Legislatures' annotated guides to state cryptocurrency legislation and state blockchain legislation as well as links to relevant Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports.

Looking for more information about cryptocurrencies? The library's Bloomberg Law computers include access to The Bitcoin Big Bang: How Alternative Currencies Are About to Change the World (Wiley, 2014), The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and Application of the Next Internet Technology (Wiley, 2016), and Taxation of Cryptocurrencies (U.S. Income Portfolio No. 190). Other titles on Bloomberg Law, like The Cyber Risk Handbook (Wiley, 2017), Emerging Payment (Banking Portfolio No. 404), Technology Regulation in the Federal Securities Markets (Privacy & Data Security Portfolio No. 535), and Virtual Banking: A Guide to Innovation and Partnering (Wiley, 2014) may also discuss cryptocurrency. Bloomberg Law is available onsite at Jenkins (make an appointment today!).

Those looking for print resources may want to check out Alternative Finance Summit: Marketplace Lending, Cryptocurrency and Crowdfunding (Practising Law Institute: library has 2018-2020), Blockchain 2.0: Legal & Regulatory Developments (Practising Law Institute: library has 2018-2020), Blockchain for Business Lawyers (American Bar Association, 2018), The Future of Blockchain and Digital Assets: The View of Silicon Valley (Practising Law Institute: library has 2019-2020), and Law's New ABC's: Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency (Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2018). Want to borrow any of these titles? Curbside pickup is available now!

Cryptocurrencies have even made it into law journals. Take a look at the Stanford Journal of Blockchain Law & Policy (available on HeinOnline, a membership database available to most Jenkins members). This title covers "the legal aspects of blockchains and cryptocurrencies, regulatory and policy ramifications, and blockchain governance". Other law journals may also include articles related to cryptocurrency and Jenkins members can use the Law Journal Library on HeinOnline to find over 90 law journals related to computers and technology.

Have questions about the resources listed above? Ask us!