The United States has taken a decisive step into the future of digital finance with the passage of the Genius Act, its first major piece of cryptocurrency legislation. Approved by Congress on 17 July 2025 after years of debate and lobbying, the bill is being hailed as a landmark moment for the digital asset industry—and one that could send ripples far beyond American shores.
Once signed into law by President Donald Trump, the Genius Act will establish a national framework for regulating stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency pegged to traditional assets such as the US dollar.
For an industry that has long operated in legal grey areas, the bill marks a significant leap toward legitimacy. It also reflects the growing influence of crypto firms in Washington, which spent more than £77 million ($100 million) lobbying lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Genius Act Brings Regulatory Clarity to Crypto
The legislation cleared the House of Representatives with a 308–122 vote, following earlier approval by the Senate.
It introduces a series of new requirements for stablecoin issuers, including licensing rules and strict asset backing mandates. It also enforces anti-money laundering and sanctions regulations, while providing legal clarity for banks and businesses that use or issue stablecoins.
Supporters say the new rules will help modernise financial infrastructure, encourage innovation and ensure the United States remains competitive in the digital economy.
President Trump welcomed the bill, calling it a measure that would make the US the ‘number one leader in digital assets’.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said Republicans were pushing forward with what he described as President Trump’s vision for cryptocurrency regulation. He added that he looked forward to the president signing the bill into law.
Not Everyone Is Convinced
While the bill passed with bipartisan support, critics were quick to point out what they see as its flaws. Rob Nichols, president of the American Bankers Association, warned that stablecoins could undermine the traditional banking system by bypassing core activities like deposit-taking and lending.
Consumer groups voiced similar concerns. They fear the legislation could give the impression that stablecoins are as safe as government-insured bank accounts, even though they don’t come with the same protections.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, one of the bill’s most vocal opponents, criticised the lack of stronger consumer and national security safeguards.
More Crypto Bills on the Table
The Genius Act is just one part of a wider legislative push on digital finance. Two other key bills—the Clarity Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act—are also making their way through Congress.
The Clarity Act, formally known as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025, passed the House on the same day and now heads to the Senate. It aims to define how different digital assets are regulated by distinguishing between commodities like Bitcoin, which would fall under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and securities, which would be overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The bill is designed to reduce legal uncertainty for crypto firms and to implement stricter compliance measures to fight financial crime.
Kara Calvert, an executive at crypto exchange Coinbase, called the Clarity Act ‘the most important progress the industry has seen’.
Even so, some legal experts and consumer advocates say it still leaves room for potential regulatory gaps.
Meanwhile, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act seeks to block the Federal Reserve from launching a central bank digital currency. Supporters argue that banning a so-called ‘digital dollar’ will protect personal privacy and prevent government overreach.
But opponents, including Democrat Maxine Waters, argue that the move could limit future financial policy options and weaken America’s position in the global digital economy.
Republican support for the Genius and Clarity Acts was reportedly contingent on including the CBDC ban, making its passage more likely as part of upcoming defence legislation.
A Defining Moment for the Industry
The passage of the Genius Act is being seen by many as a watershed moment for cryptocurrency. For the first time, a national framework gives stablecoins legal recognition and sets the ground rules for how they can operate.
Industry analysts say this could open the door to greater investment and adoption, particularly for companies looking to expand digital payment options and reduce transaction costs.
If the Clarity Act also becomes law, it would help resolve years of confusion over which agencies regulate what—and would allow crypto companies to operate with greater certainty. It could also help authorities crack down on fraud, money laundering and illicit finance by standardising compliance across the industry.
Still, concerns remain. Consumer protection advocates warn that regulation may not go far enough to shield users from risks, especially in times of market stress. And the attempt to ban a government-issued digital currency, some say, could prove shortsighted in a world where countries like China are already piloting their own CBDCs.
A Global Shift in the Making?
The US legislation may also accelerate the regulatory conversation in other parts of the world. The United Kingdom is still weighing the introduction of a digital pound, while the European Union has already implemented its MiCA rules to govern stablecoins and crypto trading.
With the US now asserting its stance, other major economies may feel the pressure to act—and to avoid falling behind in the race to shape the future of money.
Decisive Step in Digital Regulations
Cryptocurrency is no longer a fringe concern in finance or politics. With the Genius Act and other legislation moving forward, the US has taken a decisive step in bringing digital assets into the regulatory fold. The laws promise clearer rules, new risks, and bigger opportunities for the crypto economy.
What happens next will not just shape America’s financial future—it may help define the global trajectory of digital currency for years to come.