Cryptocurrency Regulation

Topic

The legal and regulatory framework governing digital assets like Bitcoin. The change in SEC leadership is expected to make this framework more favorable for innovation.


entitydetail.created_at

8/19/2025, 9:57:08 PM

entitydetail.last_updated

8/19/2025, 9:58:07 PM

entitydetail.research_retrieved

8/19/2025, 9:58:07 PM

Summary

Cryptocurrency regulation encompasses governmental actions to oversee, limit, or control the development and adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. These efforts are primarily justified by concerns regarding financial stability, consumer protection, national security, and the prevention of money laundering and other illegal activities. However, such regulatory actions have drawn significant criticism from various groups, including privacy advocates, finance companies, and open-source developers, who often cite a lack of clarity and describe the approach as 'regulation by enforcement.' A significant recent development is Donald Trump's nomination of Paul Atkins to replace Gary Gensler as the chairman of the SEC, a move widely interpreted as signaling a shift towards a more favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, aligning with Trump's supportive stance on Bitcoin and strategies employed by companies like MicroStrategy.

Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Purpose of Regulation

    Overseeing, limiting, or controlling the development and adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies

  • Criticisms of Regulation

    Lack of clarity, 'regulation by enforcement', stifling innovation, restricting market access

  • Justifications for Regulation

    Financial stability, consumer protection, national security, combating money laundering and illegal activities

  • Regulatory Approach (US State)

    Varies, some states are crypto-friendly, others ban outright

  • Regulatory Approach (US Federal)

    Application of existing financial laws to digital assets

  • SEC Classification of Cryptocurrencies

    Securities

  • FinCEN Classification of Cryptocurrencies

    Having transmittable value (not legal tender)

Timeline
  • As of April 2025, US crypto regulations are significantly changing, with the Trump administration reportedly taking a hands-off approach to encourage innovation. (Source: Web Search Results)

    2025-04-XX

  • Donald Trump nominates Paul Atkins to replace Gary Gensler as the chairman of the SEC, a move interpreted as a major shift towards a more favorable environment for cryptocurrency regulation. (Source: Related Documents)

    XXXX-XX-XX

Regulation of cryptocurrency

The regulation of cryptocurrency constitutes regulatory, legal and political actions taken by various governments to regulate, oversee, or limit the development and adoption of bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies. Governments have justified these efforts alleging concerns regarding financial stability, consumer protection, national security, and enforcing laws against money laundering and other illegal activity. These actions have drawn significant criticism across the political spectrum, as well as from privacy advocates, finance companies, and open source code developers who argue that these actions are often "regulation by enforcement" and complain of a lack of regulatory clarity.

Web Search Results
  • Cryptocurrency laws and regulations

    What is cryptocurrency regulation? ---------------------------------- Crypto regulations are the legal rules and guidelines that are present and issued by governments to shape how digital assets such as virtual currency operate. These laws have varied approaches across nations. In the U.S., there are various states wherein some are friendly towards market participants embracing crypto with clear regulations, while others ban it outright. [...] Ok to continue Thomson ReutersLEGAL Cryptocurrency uses a secure technology called cryptography to keep transactions safe and verify fund transfers to prevent fraud. It operates on a decentralized system and transactions are recorded on a public ledger called blockchain. The regulatory treatment of cryptocurrency varies across jurisdictions, with legal considerations encompassing anti-money laundering compliance, securities laws, taxation, and consumer protection frameworks. [...] In the absence of one framework for cryptocurrency, the authorities try to regulate and enforce the already existing laws both at the federal and state levels, which are as follows. Federal regulations ------------------- At the Federal level, regulations have predominantly dealt with various administrative agencies and bureaus. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

  • Cryptocurrency Regulation: A Guide to U.S. & Global Policies

    Regulations for crypto are the legal and procedural frameworks that governments enact to shape many different aspects of digital assets. Cryptocurrency regulations across jurisdictions can range from detailed rules designed to support blockchain users to outright bans on the trading or use of cryptocurrencies. [...] The bottom line --------------- Cryptocurrency regulation is a good thing. It can boost investor protections, deter illegal activity, and encourage mass adoption of digital assets. What’s not great is a lack of regulatory clarity, complex rules, and regulation by enforcement. Stay tuned as the industry matures and policy frameworks, inevitably, continue to change. Image 9: Britannica Money Logo About UsPrivacy PolicyTerms & Conditions © 2025 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. [...] Regulation can restrict market access. Enhanced crypto regulation can lead to some investors having limited access to cryptocurrencies or other digital assets. Crypto rules can stifle innovation. Stringent rules and compliance requirements can slow or obstruct the pace of blockchain innovation.

  • Crypto Regulations in the US—A Complete Guide (2025)

    At the federal level, the regulation of cryptocurrency-related activities in the United States is grounded in the application of existing financial laws to digital assets, leading to inconsistencies due to the unique nature of digital assets. Entities engaged in the exchange, transfer, or custody of cryptocurrencies are typically classified as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and must register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Such entities must implement comprehensive [...] Overall, US federal policy seeks to integrate cryptocurrencies into the existing financial regulatory framework while prioritizing financial security, investor protection, and the prevention of illicit activities. You can find below aspects of federal regulation in more detail. Note that local regulations may vary from state to state. Therefore, state-level legal requirements should be subject to separate review. [...] What’s next for US crypto regulation? ------------------------------------- As of April 2025, the US crypto regulations are significantly changing. The Trump administration is taking a hands-off approach, trying to encourage innovation in the crypto space, though this has sparked some worries about how things will be monitored and enforced. At the same time, Congress is looking into new laws to bring some clarity and organization to the world of digital assets.

  • 2024-25 Crypto Regulation Guide

    Read the blog-> Image 19: FT_Guide_Resources ### Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide ### 2023 Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide The 2023 Nasdaq Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide provides a comprehensive overview of global regulatory frameworks governing crypto assets. It covers key policies and guidelines from various regions, helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation. Download the guide->### Guide Close modal### 2023 Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide [...] ### Learn from Nasdaq's Experts THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Image 18: Nadaq FinTech Blog ### CRYPTOCURRENCY REGULATION GUIDE BLOG ### 6 Things You Need to Know About Cryptocurrency Regulation: Highlights from Nasdaq’s 2024-25 Guide Learn 6 key takeaways from Nasdaq’s 2024–25 Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide, which highlights global trends, regulatory challenges and opportunities—emphasizing the importance of balanced innovation, international collaboration and strong consumer protection. [...] Download the full 2024-25 Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide to learn about the global regulatory rules on trading & issuing crypto assets. Required Information First Name Last Name Business Email Company Name Industry Job Title Job Role Location elq_hp (optional) Download Please check your inbox to view the Nasdaq 2024-25 Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide.

  • Cryptocurrency Regulation Guide: Crypto Laws Around ...

    How are cryptocurrency exchanges regulated in the United States? Cryptocurrency exchanges are considered legal across the United States, and they are regulated by the Bank Secrecy Act. When it comes to cryptocurrency regulations, the SEC considers them to be securities and therefore applies the rules that govern securities to both digital wallets and crypto exchanges. FinCEN wants all crypto exchanges and digital wallets to share information about the originator and beneficiary of every [...] According to the FBI, the increase in crypto crime was as high as around 80% from 2020 to 2021. With increase in criminal activities, both globally and domestically, there is a call for more cryptocurrency regulations. A new rule by FinCEN will require cryptocurrency users to submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR) for every transaction that exceeds $10000 and require wallet owners to again identify themselves while sending more than $3000 in a single transaction. The rule is expected to be in [...] In the United States, despite being the first place where a retail bitcoin transaction took place, cryptocurrency regulation is done in different ways and is rarely considered a legal tender. However, some value is attached to it, both by several state governments and the IRS itself. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in the United States considers cryptocurrency as having transmittable value, but does not consider it as legal tender.