It’s Buyer Beware, according to guidance and alerts issued recently by the SEC, FINRA and IRS concerning risks inherent in Bitcoin. Bitcoin is described by all three offices as a decentralized, peer-to-peer virtual currency that can be used in place of, and traded for, traditional currencies, though is not backed by any central authority, government bank or otherwise.
First, the IRS released Notice 2014-21 on March 25, 2014 in question and answer format to describe the tax implications of Bitcoin. Generally speaking, the IRS has taken the stance that Bitcoin will be considered property, and for investors, may constitute a capital asset, requiring reporting of gain or loss based on fair market value. Given the opaque nature of Bitcoin, this may cause further risks to investing, as investors may be required, by themselves, to calculate gains and losses, a job typically taken up by banks, wire houses and clearing firms.
The SEC, in its second Bitcoin alert dated May 7, 2014, reiterated risks associated with investments in the digital medium. Given that Bitcoin is a relatively new innovation, the SEC warned that it has a potential to give rise to frauds that may propose “guaranteed” high rates of return.