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**Crypto Regulations in the USA – A Major Shift in 2025**
The United States has undergone a significant transformation in its cryptocurrency regulations, with the Trump administration adopting a pro-innovation and pro-crypto approach. This shift has brought about a plethora of new developments, ranging from executive orders to comprehensive legislation.
Key Developments:
* **August:** The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance clarified that liquid staking activities do not involve the offer and sale of securities, providing clarity for stakeholders.
* **August:** Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced the CFTC will launch an initiative for trading spot crypto asset contracts listed on a CFTC-registered futures exchange (designated contract market or DCM).
* **July:** The SEC unveiled “Project Crypto,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernizing securities regulations and positioning the United States as the dominant global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation.
* **July:** New exchange filings reveal that tokens traded on Coinbase’s derivatives market for over six months qualify, without requiring separate SEC approval.
* **White House Report:** The administration released a 160-page report outlining a coordinated vision for crypto regulation. The proposed guidelines cover stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi), self-custody, tokenization of traditional assets, taxation, and anti-money laundering reforms.
Federal Agencies’ Stance:
The SEC is shifting its focus away from aggressive enforcement and toward developing clear regulatory lines, realistic registration paths, and sensible disclosure guidelines for crypto assets. The CFTC is collaborating with the SEC and Congress to clarify jurisdiction, particularly over digital commodities and derivatives. FinCEN maintains AML/CFT requirements, classifying crypto companies as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act.
**Taxation**
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, taxing gains as capital gains and income from mining/staking or receiving crypto as ordinary income. Short-term gains (held ≤ 1 year) are taxed at ordinary income rates (10-37%), while long-term gains (> 1 year) are taxed at lower capital gains rates (0-20%).
**Adoption Rate**
As of 2025, approximately 28% of American adults (around 65 million people) own cryptocurrency. The forecasted penetration rate is expected to rise to 47.76% by the end of 2026.
**Mining and Regulation**
In 2025, the US leads the world in Bitcoin mining, accounting for over one-third of global mining power. The SEC clarified that proof-of-work crypto mining does not fall under federal securities laws, removing registration requirements for miners. While there is no federal ban on mining, regulation is handled at the state level with some states offering incentives and others imposing environmental restrictions.
**Government Holdings**
As of April 2025, the US government holds approximately 198,012 Bitcoins, valued at around $18.3 billion. This represents a significant increase in the country’s overall cryptocurrency holdings.
In conclusion, the United States has witnessed a substantial shift in its crypto regulations, marking a turning point in the space. The administration’s pro-innovation stance has paved the way for clearer regulatory frameworks and greater adoption.
Source: coinpedia.org
