Agency Overreach

Definition ∞ A government agency exceeding its statutory authority or legal jurisdiction. This typically involves regulatory bodies extending their influence beyond the scope granted by legislative acts, potentially imposing rules on areas not explicitly covered by their mandate. Such actions often precipitate legal challenges from affected entities, seeking to restrict the agency’s operational boundaries.
Context ∞ The cryptocurrency sector frequently observes disputes regarding agency overreach, particularly as various regulatory bodies vie for jurisdiction over digital assets. Debates concern whether existing securities, commodities, or banking laws appropriately apply to novel blockchain technologies, leading to regulatory uncertainty and a fragmented oversight landscape. This ongoing contestation shapes market behavior and legal defense strategies for crypto businesses.