Administrative Procedure Act

Definition ∞ The Administrative Procedure Act is a United States federal law governing how administrative agencies conduct their operations. This act establishes uniform procedures for federal agencies when they propose and finalize regulations, adjudicate disputes, and perform other administrative functions. It ensures public transparency, citizen participation, and judicial review of governmental agency actions. The APA provides a foundational legal framework for regulatory engagement with various industries, including digital assets.
Context ∞ Discussions surrounding the Administrative Procedure Act frequently appear in crypto news when regulatory bodies propose new rules or initiate enforcement actions against digital asset firms. The application of APA requirements determines the procedural legitimacy and fairness of these governmental initiatives. Future developments will involve how courts interpret APA mandates in the context of novel blockchain technologies and decentralized autonomous organizations.