The US crypto regulation has changed dramatically in 2025, with the Trump administration adopting a pro-innovation, pro-crypto approach. Major developments included new executive orders, the disbanding of enforcement teams, and a shift toward clear, comprehensive legislation.
The year saw a move away from “regulation by enforcement” toward structured rules and federal clarity, while states continued to play a key role in shaping the regulatory environment.
August 20, 2025: The General Assembly of Pennsylvania has received House Bill 1812. The bill The bill sponsored by Rep. Ben Waxman and co-sponsored by seven other representatives in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, bans public officials from holding Bitcoin and also extends to their immediate families.
August 14, 2025: New York Assemblymember Phil Steck introduced Assembly Bill 8966. It proposes a 0.2% tax on all digital asset transactions. If lawmakers approve the bill, the tax will take effect immediately on September 1, 2025.
On August 7, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order allowing 401(k) investors to diversify their portfolios into various assets, including cryptocurrencies. The order enables investors to include crypto, private equity, real estate, and other alternative assets in their retirement accounts.
August 5, 2025- The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance released a statement clarifying liquid staking policy. It stated that liquid staking activities do not involve the offer and sale of securities.
On August 4, 2025, CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham announced that the agency will launch an initiative to allow trading of spot crypto asset contracts listed on a CFTC-registered futures exchange (designated contract market or DCM). This initiative marks the first of its kind by the agency.
On July 31, 2025, SEC Chair Paul Atkins unveiled ‘Project Crypto,’ a comprehensive initiative to modernize securities regulations and position the United States as the leading global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation.
July 30, 2025- The SEC has released new exchange filings that reveal “listing standards” for Exchange-traded products (ETPs). Under new rules, tokens traded on Coinbase’s derivatives market for more than six months to qualify, without requiring separate SEC approval.
On July 30, 2025, the White House released its 160-page Crypto Policy report, outlining a coordinated vision for regulating cryptocurrencies. The report provides guidance on stablecoins, decentralized finance (DeFi), self-custody, tokenization of traditional assets, taxation, and anti-money-laundering reforms.
July 29, 2025- The SEC has approved orders to permit in-kind creations and redemptions by authorized participants for crypto asset exchange-traded product (ETP) shares.
July 18, 2025– President Trump signed the new legislation of the GENIUS Act into law. It creates licensing and regulatory requirements for stablecoin issuers. It also provides requirements for the custody and safekeeping of certain payment stablecoin-related assets.
July 17, 2025- The House also adopted the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act by a 294-134 margin and the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act,
June 17, 2025– The US Senate passed the GENIUS ACT with 68-30 votes, the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins.
On July 3, 2025, the U.S. House Committee announced that it will consider the CLARITY Act and the San GENIUS Act during Crypto Week, scheduled for the week of July 14.
June 17, 2025: The US Senate passed the GENIUS ACT with 68-30 votes, the first federal regulatory framework for stablecoins.
May 8, 2025 – Wyoming and Texas push forward new pro-crypto laws; other states test blockchain in public services and launch regulatory sandboxes.
Early May 2025 – U.S. repeals Executive Order 14067 and outdated Treasury crypto policies; SEC unveils new framework for digital asset securities; GENIUS stablecoin bill nears finalization; OCC releases Interpretive Letter 1183 allowing banks to custody digital assets.
April 12, 2025 – Senate Banking Committee announces plans to pass a comprehensive crypto market bill by August; Securities Clarity Act reintroduced in the House.
April 2025 – Congress accelerates deregulatory efforts and develops laws to clarify digital asset regulation under the Trump administration.
March 12, 2025 – White House publicly supports stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, signaling regulatory easing and push for adoption.
March 6, 2025 – President Trump signs Executive Order to create the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile.
April 2025 – DOJ’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team is disbanded; SEC drops major lawsuits against Gemini and Coinbase.
Early February 2025 – Federal Stablecoins Bill advances, with bipartisan support and a clear 2025 regulatory roadmap.
What Do The US Federal Agencies Think About Crypto in 2025?
SEC: The SEC, under new leadership, is moving away from aggressive enforcement and toward developing clear regulatory lines, realistic registration paths, and sensible disclosure guidelines for crypto assets.
CFTC: The CFTC is collaborating with the SEC and Congress to clarify jurisdiction, especially over digital commodities and derivatives.
FinCEN: AML and CFT requirements remain central, with crypto companies classified as financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act, subject to strict compliance.
FDIC/OCC: The FDIC has eased restrictions on banks’ crypto activities, while the OCC supports banks’ ability to custody digital assets
US Crypto Tax 2025
The U.S. taxes cryptocurrency based on how long you hold the asset and your total taxable income. If you hold an asset for one year or less, the IRS taxes your gains at ordinary income rates. If you hold it for more than a year, the IRS applies lower capital gains rates. The IRS also taxes income from mining, staking, or receiving crypto as payment as ordinary income.
Short-Term Crypto Tax Rates (Held ≤ 1 Year)
Tax Rate
Single
Married Filing Jointly
Married Filing Separately
Head of Household
10%
$0–$11,600
$0–$23,200
$0–$11,600
$0–$16,550
12%
$11,601–$47,150
$23,201–$94,300
$11,601–$47,150
$16,551–$63,100
22%
$47,151–$100,525
$94,301–$201,050
$47,151–$100,525
$63,101–$100,500
24%
$100,526–$191,950
$201,051–$383,900
$100,526–$191,950
$100,501–$191,950
32%
$191,951–$243,725
$383,901–$487,450
$191,951–$243,725
$191,951–$243,700
37%
Over $609,351
Over $731,201
Over $365,601
Over $609,351
Long-Term Crypto Tax Rates (Held > 1 Year)
Tax Rate
Single
Married Filing Jointly
Married Filing Separately
Head of Household
0%
Up to $47,025
Up to $94,050
Up to $47,025
Up to $63,000
15%
$47,026–$518,900
$94,051–$583,750
$47,026–$291,850
$63,001–$551,350
20%
Over $518,900
Over $583,750
Over $291,850
Over $551,350
Additional Crypto Tax Rules
Income from mining, staking, or payment: Taxed as ordinary income at the above rates.
NFTs: Some may be taxed at a higher collectibles rate (up to 28%).
Non-taxable events: Transfers between your own wallets and certain gifts are not taxable.
Crypto companies: Subject to standard corporate income tax and must comply with reporting and AML/CFT rules.
Example
If you are single, earn $50,000 in total taxable income, and realize $5,000 short-term crypto gains and 10,000 long-term crypto gains
Short-term gains taxed at 22%: $1,100
Long-term gains taxed at 15%: $1,500
Total crypto tax owed: $2,600
These rates and rules ensure all crypto investors and companies are taxed in line with other property and investment assets in the US
Crypto Adoption Rate In America
In 2025, about 28% of American adults—around 65 million people—own cryptocurrency. The user penetration rate is forecasted to be 46.39% in 2025 and is expected to increase to 47.76% by 2026.
Crypto ownership in the US has nearly doubled since 2021, rising from 15% to 28%.
14% of non-owners plan to buy crypto in 2025, and 67% of current owners plan to buy more this year.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are the top three cryptocurrencies Americans plan to purchase in 2025.
Crypto mining in the USA
In 2025, the US leads the world in Bitcoin mining, accounting for over one-third of global mining power.
On March 20, 2025, the SEC clarified that proof-of-work crypto mining is not subject to federal securities laws, removing registration requirements for miners.
There is no federal ban on crypto mining; regulation is handled at the state level, with some states offering incentives and others imposing environmental restrictions.
The Trump administration’s deregulatory approach in 2025 has encouraged domestic mining growth, but all miners must still comply with federal AML and CFT rules.
Environmental concerns and energy usage debates continue, especially in states considering stricter oversight or moratoriums on mining operations.
US Government’s Crypto Holdings
As of April 2025, the US government holds approximately 198,012 Bitcoins, valued at about $18.3 billion.
The US is the world’s largest state holder of Bitcoin, with these assets primarily acquired through law enforcement seizures and forfeitures.
In March 2025, President Trump established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a broader Digital Asset Stockpile, consolidating all federally held Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies (including Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and XRP) as permanent reserve assets.
Conclusion
US crypto regulation in 2025 marks a major turning point. The old approach of punishing innovation is being replaced with clear rules, legal support, and a national strategy for digital assets. While financial crimes are still a concern, the overall direction is bold, business-friendly, and built for long-term crypto adoption.
FAQs
Is crypto regulated by the SEC?
The SEC regulates crypto assets that are considered securities. In 2025, the SEC is moving towards clearer regulatory guidelines.
What are the IRS rules for crypto?
The IRS treats crypto as property, taxing gains as capital gains and income from mining/staking as ordinary income.
What is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?
Established by Trump in March 2025, it’s a federal reserve for Bitcoin, initially capitalized by seized BTC, aiming to manage holdings strategically.
How has US crypto regulation changed in 2025?
In 2025, the US shifted to a pro-innovation, pro-crypto approach under Trump, with new executive orders and a move toward clear federal legislation.
How much tax on crypto USA?
In the US, short-term crypto 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%), based on your income and filing status. Sources
Zameer Attar
Zameer is a financial analyst and writer with a particular interest in cryptocurrency markets. He has been studying cryptocurrencies and their market behavior for several years and deeply understands the factors that affect the price of cryptocurrencies. His expertise lies in his ability to use both technical and fundamental analysis to make informed predictions about the future direction of cryptocurrency prices. He has a strong understanding of market sentiment and uses this to inform his trading decisions and price predictions.
