Virtual Currencies

The increased interest in virtual currency and other payments innovations has led to the rapid emergence of different types of currencies and payments mechanisms. As these are released into the marketplace, it is important for consumers and investors to educate themselves with accurate information to make informed decisions about this innovative and evolving industry.

Please Note: This information was developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS), through its Emerging Payments Task Force, and the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). It is general information to help educate consumers and should not be construed as legal advice. New Hampshire consumers are encouraged to consult with licensed NH Attorneys and Investment Advisors for legal or investment advice.

What is Virtual Currency?

Virtual currency is an electronic medium of exchange that does not have all the attributes of real currencies. Virtual currencies include cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and litecoin, which are not legal tender and are not issued or backed by any central bank or governmental authority. Virtual currencies have legitimate purposes and can be purchased, sold, and exchanged with other types of virtual currencies or real currencies like the U.S. dollar. This can happen through various mechanisms such as exchangers, administrators, or merchants that are willing to accept virtual currencies in lieu of real currency.

What Should a Consumer Consider?

Prior to buying, selling, transacting with, or investing in a virtual currency, consumers should consider the following:

• Virtual currencies are volatile in value. Virtual currencies are not backed by a central bank and are highly volatile with the potential for complete loss of value. This may affect investors as well as consumers using virtual currencies as a means of payment. Virtual currency volatility also may make securities offerings tied to these currencies unsuitable for most investors.
• Virtual currencies can be stolen or otherwise subject to loss. There is the potential for consumers to incur financial losses if an account is not maintained in a secure manner. Currently, most virtual accounts or “wallets” – unlike funds held in U.S. banks or credit unions – are not insured against loss. There is no way to reverse virtual currency transactions.
• Virtual currencies have been connected to criminal activities. Like other forms of payment, virtual currencies and virtual currency exchanges have been used to fund illicit activities. Legitimate customers of virtual currencies may be unable to access accounts if an exchange is shut down as part of a criminal investigation or for any other reason.
• Virtual currencies and companies dealing in virtual currencies may or may not be regulated.
  • State and federal regulators are evaluating and developing approaches to regulating virtual currencies and companies that deal in virtual currencies. Any company that offers to exchange, administer, or maintain virtual currencies may be subject to state regulation and licensing as well as federal regulation.
  • An administrator or exchanger that accepts and transmits a convertible virtual currency or buys or sells convertible virtual currency for any reason is a money transmitter under federal regulations1 and therefore should be registered as a money services business (MSB).
• Virtual currency transactions may be taxable. For federal tax purposes, the IRS has announced that virtual currency is treated as property. General tax principles applicable to property transactions apply to transactions using virtual currency. This includes determining the fair market value of virtual currency in U.S. dollars as of the date of payment or receipt, as well as any gain or loss incurred. For more information, see the IRS Virtual Currency Guidance.
• Do your homework. Consumers considering the use of virtual currencies should research any company offering services related to virtual currencies. This includes exchanges, platforms, administrators, sellers, or ATMs. There are a variety of sources of information available:
  • Consumers should check the Consumer Credit webpage for a comprehensive list of NH licensed consumer credit companies.
  • Investors should check the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities Regulation website for information about investments involving digital currency.
  • Check if a virtual currency exchanger or administrator is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN),.

The NMLS Consumer Access website also may be able to assist with determining if an entity is state-licensed.

1 Convertible virtual currency is virtual currency that either has an equivalent value in real currency or acts as a substitute for real currency. Refer to the FinCEN guidance.