http://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/opamassad-6INAL, but there are no contracts/underlying deliverable assets in bitshares, so they aren't derivatives
BitShares is basically a coin, like bitcoin, that has two bins of two different coins inside of it. The network only lets you trade one type for coins the other at a ratio determined by the network. Delegates are thus miners processing transactions, just like bitcoin.
Can someone explain why this is a problem for delegates in the US? Maybe I'm not seeing it.
We also continue to respond to market developments such as new products. Virtual currencies, such as bitcoin, are an example. Virtual currencies may raise issues for a number of governmental agencies. The CFTC's jurisdiction with respect to virtual currencies will depend on the facts and circumstances pertaining to any particular activity in question. While the CFTC does not have policies and procedures specific to virtual currencies like bitcoin, the agency’s authority extends to futures and swaps contracts in any commodity. The CEA defines the term commodity very broadly so that in addition to traditional agricultural commodities, metals, and energy, the CFTC has oversight of derivatives contracts related to Treasury securities, interest rate indices, stock market indices, currencies, electricity, and heating degree days, to name just a few underlying products.
Derivative contracts based on a virtual currency represent one area within our responsibility. Recently, for example, a SEF registered with us made such a contract available. Innovation is a vital part of our markets, and it is something that our regulatory framework is designed to encourage. At the same time, our regulatory framework is intended to prevent manipulation and fraud, and to make sure our markets operate with transparency and integrity. Our responsibilities at the CFTC in this regard are ongoing. It is important to emphasize that the existence of contract does not mean the CFTC endorses it. As with all new developments, we must remain vigilant to ensure market integrity, and will continue to evaluate these new contracts over time. We will also continue to coordinate with other regulatory authorities regarding the issues raised by virtual currencies as appropriate.
he does mention "the CFTC has oversight of derivatives contracts related to Treasury securities, interest rate indices, stock market indices, currencies, electricity, and heating degree days, to name just a few underlying products." But what if there are no contracts nor underlying assets (and no one underwriting or executing the trades?)