Weekly Crypto Regulation Roundup: SEC Pulls Back, CFTC Expands and Trump’s Influence Grows

Key Takeaways

  • The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ended its inquiry into Ondo, signaling a potential shift in its regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies.
  • The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has launched a pilot program allowing the use of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDC as collateral, and has withdrawn its 2020 guidance on digital assets.
  • President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) does not mention digital assets, potentially indicating a more favorable stance towards the industry.
  • Congress is reviving the debate over a central bank digital currency (CBDC), with banks gaining new permissions to engage with cryptocurrencies.
  • A Senate vote is nearing for Michael Selig, a nominee with potential influence over crypto regulation.

U.S. Crypto Regulation Shifts as SEC, CFTC, and Trump Administration Take New Stances

This week has seen significant developments in U.S. crypto regulation, with the SEC, CFTC, and Trump administration all making moves that could impact the industry. The SEC’s decision to end its inquiry into Ondo may signal a more relaxed approach to regulation, while the CFTC’s pilot program and withdrawal of its 2020 guidance could pave the way for greater adoption of cryptocurrencies.

CFTC Expands Crypto Presence with Collateral Pilot and Withdrawn Guidance

The CFTC’s launch of a pilot program allowing the use of BTC, ETH, and USDC as collateral is a significant development, as it could increase the use of cryptocurrencies in traditional financial markets. The withdrawal of its 2020 guidance on digital assets also suggests that the CFTC is re-evaluating its approach to regulation and may be open to more flexible and innovative solutions.

Trump’s Influence Grows as 2025 NSS Omits Digital Assets

The omission of digital assets from President Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) may indicate a more favorable stance towards the industry. This, combined with the SEC’s and CFTC’s recent moves, could suggest that the U.S. government is taking a more nuanced approach to crypto regulation.

Congress Revives CBDC Debate as Banks Gain New Permissions

Congress is reviving the debate over a central bank digital currency (CBDC), with some lawmakers arguing that it could help to promote financial inclusion and stability. Meanwhile, banks are gaining new permissions to engage with cryptocurrencies, which could increase mainstream adoption and drive further innovation in the industry.