A bill has been introduced in the U.S. state of Oklahoma to establish a new type of state-chartered financial institution that will be “the central depository for virtual currency used by governmental agencies in this state.” The new establishment aims to provide financial and technical services to crypto innovators and developers.
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Proposed Crypto Depository for Government
A lawmaker has introduced a bill in the U.S. state of Oklahoma seeking to create a governmental crypto depository. Senate Bill 1430, authored by Senator Nathan Dahm, was introduced on Jan. 15, according to the government’s website. Its first reading is scheduled for Feb. 3. The bill reads:
The legislature hereby authorizes the State Banking Department and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to coordinate and develop plans … [to establish] a new type of financial institution to be a state-chartered financial institution and the central depository for virtual currency used by governmental agencies in this state.
“The purpose of this new state-chartered financial institution shall be to provide valuable financial and technical services to blockchain and virtual currency innovators and developers,” the text of the bill details. It further states that “Oklahoma is committing to partner with innovative technology, help develop next generation financial products, and safely grow unique technical and financial sectors in this state.”
The proposed entity will be designed to easily integrate into existing banking and financial institution regulations and “have the highest level of expertise with customer identification, anti-money laundering and beneficial ownership components,” the bill adds. It will also be “fully supported by blockchain technology and innovations.” This act will become effective on Nov. 1, 2020, and the plans and implementation strategy must be submitted by July
