US Unveils Landmark Crypto Framework

Golden Age of Digital Assets Begins

In a pivotal move for the crypto industry, the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services released a discussion draft on May 5 outlining a new regulatory framework for digital assets. The proposal, backed by key lawmakers including Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-PA), seeks to balance crypto innovation with consumer protection, reinforcing America’s position as a leader in financial technology.

A Historic Step Forward for Crypto

The draft bill builds on bipartisan efforts from the 118th Congress, aiming to resolve long-standing ambiguities in crypto regulation. Chairman Hill emphasized its significance:
“We’ve made historic progress in crafting a functional framework for digital assets. This draft delivers clarity, protects consumers, and ensures the U.S. remains the hub of crypto innovation.”

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) echoed the sentiment, declaring:
“The golden age of crypto assets is here—and Congress is paving the way. This framework keeps America competitive while shielding crypto investors from fraud.”

Key Crypto Provisions: What’s Inside?

The proposed legislation introduces several groundbreaking cryptocurrency-focused changes:

• No Cryptocurrency Wealth Barriers: Eliminates income and accreditation requirements for retail cryptocurrency investors.

• Cryptocurrency Decentralization Test: Mandates disclosure of entities holding more than 10% ownership in centralized cryptocurrency projects.

• Safe Harbor for Cryptocurrency DeFi: Exempts non-custodial protocols that don’t control user assets.

• Cryptocurrency Stablecoin Clarity: Defines stablecoins without classifying them as securities.

• Dual Cryptocurrency Oversight: Assigns joint rulemaking to the SEC and CFTC for cryptocurrency markets.

Cryptocurrency Industry Reactions: A ‘Major Upgrade’

Cryptocurrency experts welcomed the draft as a significant improvement over previous proposals like FIT21.

• Matthew Sigel (VanEck):
  “This is a major crypto upgrade—removing investor restrictions and introducing clear decentralization criteria. A solid foundation for crypto growth.”

• Justin Slaughter (Paradigm):
  “An incremental but meaningful rewrite of crypto regulation. It refines decentralization pathways while keeping the SEC involved early on.”

What’s Next for Cryptocurrency?

The draft precedes a joint subcommittee hearing on May 6, where lawmakers will debate its cryptocurrency policy implications. If enacted, the bill could reshape the U.S. cryptocurrency landscape, offering long-sought regulatory certainty.

As the world watches, one message is clear: The race for crypto’s future is on—and America intends to lead.