Nick Anthony
Research Fellow at the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives and Fellow at the Human Rights Foundation. Covering CBDCs, financial privacy, and cryptocurrency. Opinions are my own.
CBDC Banned in United States Until 2031
Given the risks of CBDCs, this passage marks a great win for financial freedom.
Postal Banking Has Died With Zero Customers in Years
The United States Postal Service has finally laid the postal banking pilot program to rest.
Supreme Court Fights for Privacy, Just Not Financial Privacy
It’s time to recognize that the Bank Secrecy Act and warrantless surveillance of financial activity are an unjustified intrusion into people’s privacy.
The Fed Is Working on a CBDC, Despite Executive Order
President Donald Trump issued an executive order to stop the creation or development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Yet rumors have begun to swirl that the Federal Reserve is ignoring this order and actively working on a wholesale CBDC.
Authoritarians Weaponize American Financial Laws
Congress should not let this abuse go on. It’s time to face the truth: the Bank Secrecy Act costs too much and provides too little in return.
28.7 Million Reports, 275 Investigations—the Bank Secrecy Act Doesn’t Work
The Bank Secrecy Act doesn't work.
Republicans Have a Surveillance Problem, Says Rep. Vargas
Representative Juan Vargas (D‑CA) pointed out a harsh reality during a congressional hearing: Republicans have a surveillance problem.
Financial Surveillance Is Expanding Before Our Eyes
Financial surveillance is getting worse every day. Although many legislative expansions have not passed, the wheel keeps turning. Inflation, geographic targeting orders (GTOs), and executive orders have greatly expanded the Bank Secrecy Act.
Rep. Davidson Calls Bank Secrecy Act “Bloated,” Warns of CBDCs
Representative Warren Davidson didn’t pull any punches when describing the Bank Secrecy Act.
Bank Secrecy Act Testimony: Thunder and Lightning
Following my testimony before the House Committee on Financial Services, I want to share what I said during my opening remarks. For my full written testimony, see here.
What Congress Asked Me About the Bank Secrecy Act
Testifying before Congress is never an easy matter. Time is limited, and tempers flare. Yet, during my testimony on the Bank Secrecy Act, I was asked some great questions by members of the House Financial Services Committee. I’ve copied my favorite ones below with light editing for brevity.
Banks Are Not Immigration Enforcement, Mr. President
America is celebrating its 250th anniversary, but President Trump has forgotten the Constitution.
What Spirit Airlines' End Signals for Financial Services
Considering that the Trump administration has also been flirting with price controls and playing politics with several potential mergers, it would be wise to consider Spirit’s experience as a cautionary tale.
What Is the Bank Secrecy Act?
Financial privacy has largely disappeared under the Bank Secrecy Act. Worse yet, most Americans have no idea this system exists.
Bitcoin Taxes Make No Sense
The only thing worse than getting robbed would be having the robber demand endless forms about the money they are taking from you. Taxes are no different. Congress should simplify the tax code so the average American can do what’s required with ease. Doing so would go a long way toward easing Americ
