Subject: S7-04-23: Webform Comments from Greg McDonnell
From: Greg McDonnell
Affiliation:

Oct. 29, 2023

Dear Securities and Exchange Commission, 

I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts and concerns on the
proposed rule "Safeguarding Advisory Client Assets," as
outlined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. As an investor and
advocate for strong investor protections, I believe it is important to
provide constructive feedback on this matter.

Firstly, I would like to express my appreciation for the SEC's
efforts in addressing gaps in the custody rule and enhancing investor
safeguards. The proposed amendments to the current rule, including
expanded asset coverage and increased recordkeeping requirements,
demonstrate a commitment to protecting the interests of investors.

That being said, I do have concerns about the treatment of tokenized
gaming assets within the proposed rule. The current proposal lacks
clarity on regulatory guidelines for these assets, which creates
uncertainty for both investment advisers and investors. Given the
significant value that tokenized gaming assets, such as in-game
currencies and virtual items, have gained in recent years, it is
crucial that explicit guidelines are established to ensure the proper
safeguarding of these unique assets.

Furthermore, regulatory clarity is essential for fostering innovation
and economic growth within the gaming industry. Without clear
regulations, advisers may hesitate to invest in this sector,
potentially hindering its development and limiting opportunities for
both investors and entrepreneurs.

I strongly urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to provide
explicit rules and guidelines for the treatment of tokenized gaming
assets. By doing so, the SEC can ensure that investment advisers have
clear instructions on how to comply with the law and provide a secure
platform for investors to participate in this growing market.

In addition to my concerns about tokenized gaming assets, I would like
to commend the SEC for its commitment to balancing investor
protections with the burden of compliance. The proposed amendments
have the potential to significantly enhance investor safeguards, but
it is crucial that the economic impact of these changes is carefully
evaluated. Striking the right balance between protecting investors and
minimizing unnecessary compliance burdens will be paramount to the
success of this rule.

I commend the SEC for inviting comment on alternatives to the proposed
rule and overlooked benefits and costs. This open and inclusive
approach ensures that stakeholders have the opportunity to provide
valuable insights and improvements to the regulatory framework.

In closing, I would like to emphasize the importance of providing
clear regulatory guidelines for the treatment of tokenized gaming
assets within the proposed rule "Safeguarding Advisory Client
Assets." By doing so, the SEC can demonstrate its commitment to
protecting investors, fostering innovation, and creating a stable and
secure investment environment.

Thank you for considering my input and suggestions. I trust that the
Securities and Exchange Commission will consider the perspectives of
all stakeholders as it finalizes the rule. I look forward to
witnessing the implementation of a robust and comprehensive final rule
that promotes investor protection and strengthens the integrity of our
financial markets.

Thank you for your consideration.