Statutory Authority

Definition ∞ Statutory authority refers to the power or right granted to a person or body by law. This authority permits them to perform specific actions, make decisions, or enforce regulations. It is derived from statutes enacted by legislative bodies. Understanding statutory authority is essential for comprehending the legal basis of governmental or institutional power.
Context ∞ Statutory authority is a key consideration in discussions about how government agencies regulate the digital asset industry. News frequently reports on which statutes agencies cite when taking enforcement actions or proposing new rules for cryptocurrencies and related businesses. The interpretation and application of existing statutory authority to novel technologies remain a central point of legal and regulatory scrutiny.