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Articles / mica-regulation / Two Years Ago vs Today: Looking at Crypto Regulation in the US

Two Years Ago vs Today: Looking at Crypto Regulation in the US

GENIUS Act Passage
July 2025
Date when the first digital asset policy in the U.S. was enacted.
Clarity Act Markup Vote
May 14, 2026
Date when a key markup vote for the Clarity Act took place in the U.S. Senate.
SEC Rescinded Guidance
March 2026
Month when the SEC rescinded SAB 121, reducing custody costs for crypto assets.

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

  • What: The evolution of U.S. crypto regulation from uncertainty to a more structured framework.
  • Who: U.S. regulators, including the SEC, CFTC, and notable figures like Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and various crypto firms.
  • Why it matters: The shift towards regulatory clarity is crucial for institutional adoption and market stability in the crypto sector.

§ 02 Key Developments

  • The stablecoin-specific GENIUS Act was signed into law in July 2025, representing the first digital asset policy in the U.S.
  • The proposed Clarity Act defines the classification of digital assets under securities law and introduces anti-money-laundering obligations for crypto platforms.
  • The SEC rescinded SAB 121 through SAB 122, easing the burden of crypto custody for public companies and banks.

§ 03 Strategic Context

  • Historically, the U.S. crypto industry faced significant uncertainty, relying on enforcement actions rather than formal regulations, which hampered institutional participation.
  • Recent developments indicate a movement towards regulatory normalization, with agencies beginning to coordinate and establish clear guidelines for digital assets.

§ 04 Strategic Implications

  • The immediate effect is a more predictable regulatory environment, which could enhance institutional participation in the crypto market.
  • Long-term, the establishment of clear regulations will likely foster innovation and the safe scaling of blockchain technologies.

§ 05 Risks & Constraints

  • Potential delays in the passage of the Clarity Act could stall momentum in regulatory advancements.
  • Divergent regulations across different markets and products may still create challenges for interoperability and compliance.

§ 06 Watchlist / Forward Signals

  • The progress of the Clarity Act through Congress is a critical milestone to watch in the coming months.
  • Future developments will hinge on the successful coordination between the SEC and CFTC regarding crypto asset regulations.
§ 07

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the GENIUS Act?

The GENIUS Act, signed into law in July 2025, represents the first digital asset policy in the U.S., focusing on stablecoins.

How has U.S. crypto regulation changed recently?

U.S. crypto regulation has evolved from uncertainty to a more structured framework, with agencies beginning to establish clear guidelines for digital assets.

Who are the key players in U.S. crypto regulation?

Key players include U.S. regulators like the SEC and CFTC, along with notable figures such as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and various crypto firms.

What risks are associated with the Clarity Act?

Potential delays in the passage of the Clarity Act could stall regulatory advancements and create challenges for interoperability and compliance.

§ 08

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