Navigating Trump’s New Strategy: How US Crypto Companies Adapt
Photo by MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Images
AFP via Getty Images
The cryptocurrency sector has historically flourished in the ambiguous space between innovation and regulatory oversight. As U.S. policymakers strive for clearer frameworks, the industry stands at a pivotal juncture that may unlock scalability, investment, and global prominence.
Based on discussions with industry leaders and insights gained from my involvement with the Crypto Council for Innovation—an international coalition of top-tier crypto organizations focused on promoting innovation and advocating for responsible, inclusive regulation of digital assets—it’s evident that we are approaching a key turning point: forthcoming regulations that will steer crypto’s next evolution.
Reassessing U.S. Crypto Policy for Regulatory Clarity
Just three days into his second term, President Donald Trump enacted a comprehensive executive order. The January 23 “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology” order annulled a directive issued under President Joe Biden in 2022. This new strategy shifts from a mainly enforcement-driven approach to one aimed at proactive governance. In a groundbreaking move on March 6, 2025, Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, funded by Bitcoin seized from criminal cases and intended as a long-term strategic asset.
The SEC has reorganized its approach to crypto oversight with the launch of the “Cyber and Emerging Technology Unit,” signaling a shift towards comprehensive rulemaking. SEC Chair Hester Peirce emphasized the intent to grant businesses the “freedom to experiment and create.” In April, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche disbanded the Department of Justice’s National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), as detailed in a four-page memo titled “Ending Regulation By Prosecution” on April 7, marking a decisive departure from the previous administration’s stance.
The GENIUS Act, introduced for the first time in February 2025, represents Washington’s strong effort to establish a clear federal regulatory framework for stablecoins—the “digital dollars” that discreetly underpin crypto markets (US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, 2025). At the time of this writing, approximately $243 billion in stablecoins are circulating globally, with over 90% being dollar-denominated. The proposed legislation introduced stringent reserve, audit, and transparency requirements for stablecoins, prohibiting any claims of government backing. Despite the GENIUS Act failing to pass in May 2025, it generated unprecedented bipartisan support and set the stage for future consumer-centric crypto regulations.
The impact has been significant, spurring a wave of deal activity and reinvigorating investor enthusiasm in the crypto market. A highlight is the $3.6 billion merger of bitcoin company Twenty One Capital with a SPAC led by Brandon Lutnick, son of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment: confident, opportunistic, and poised for expansion. Firms are swiftly seizing the moment to leverage a favorable environment for innovation, public listings, and growth within digital assets.
This shift in narrative is reshaping how companies are revamping their infrastructure, legal strategies, and the trust of institutional investors.
Regulatory Clarity Fuels Infrastructure Growth
This change in policy tone has already led to substantial transformations on the ground. Uminers CEO Batyr Hydyrov regards the SEC’s updated position on proof-of-work mining as a pivotal factor: “The SEC’s clarification that certain proof-of-work mining activities aren’t subject to securities regulations could lessen compliance burdens for miners. This shift and a more open approach to crypto regulation have unlocked new opportunities for us to expedite our most ambitious plans.”
For Hydyrov, the establishment of a national strategic Bitcoin reserve is a crucial factor. “Creating a national strategic Bitcoin reserve signals increasing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, which may encourage further investment in mining infrastructure.”
However, Hydyrov remains cautious. “We are prioritizing targeted investments, especially in areas that previously posed higher regulatory risks. Nevertheless, we are adhering to a disciplined approach: regulatory cycles are inherently unpredictable… We view the current climate not as a reason to slow down or relax, but rather as an opportunity to expand strategically while preparing for possible shifts in global policy.
Legal Reconfiguration and Fair Access
As the regulatory haze begins to clear, the legal structures governing market participation are also being redefined. Frank Hepworth, founder of Yieldschool and former regulatory attorney, considers this policy shift a green light for decentralized models: “It’s a clear signal. On-chain businesses prefer that their tokens do not trade on SEC-regulated platforms… the administration is signaling that they can pursue any competitive advantage in the market. As a result, with the risk of penalties diminished, we can expect more businesses to adopt on-chain models.”
He contends that this shift is disrupting the traditional regulatory framework. “Numerous notable crypto attorneys, including Gabriel Shapiro, have remarked that this administration is detrimental to their profession, yet ultimately a net gain… I share this perspective.”
Nonetheless, Hepworth’s strongest criticism is directed at outdated access regulations: “Voluntary compliance is beneficial… But imposing regulations leads to the unequal outcomes characteristic of U.S. wealth disparity.” His vision is clear: “It should be designed with crypto’s principles and objectives in mind.”
Thus, as legal frameworks become more flexible and on-chain innovation accelerates, the next challenge lies in overcoming psychological barriers: institutional trust. The industry is now setting its own benchmarks.
Transparency as a Shield Against Uncertainty
Even as regulatory clarity increases, it has yet to reach completion. During this transitional period, trust needs to be actively cultivated. GT Protocol, led by Peter Ionov, is navigating this delicate balance. “The deregulatory trend has sent contradictory signals to the market. While loosening regulatory oversight is often perceived as a green light for innovation, the lack of clear regulatory frameworks raises concerns among institutional stakeholders.”
Ionov notes that investor reactions tend to diverge along familiar lines: “It largely depends on the type of investor. More agile, risk-tolerant entities may view this as an opportunity, while traditional financial institutions remain cautious, waiting for clearer guidance.”
Currently, a market-driven approach to building confidence allows for responsible innovation, particularly in sectors aiming to modernize traditional systems: “The industry is moving toward transparency as a foundational element for trust… Companies are open-sourcing their code, releasing audit reports, and collaborating with licensed providers.”
Less Regulation Fuels Economic Advancement
With transparency bolstering investor confidence and legal innovation enhancing access, the stage is primed for the next phase: scaling ambitious ideas. For Construct Koin, this involves employing AI and blockchain to revolutionize real estate financing. Co-founder Chris Baldrey-Chourio articulates: “Reducing regulatory burdens doesn’t equate to disregarding rules. It creates the necessary space for real-world solutions to scale.”
However, with global competitors—such as the EU and Singapore—accelerating their own crypto initiatives, he issues a cautionary note: “America currently holds the edge, but that advantage won’t endure without proactive measures,” he warns, referring to the rising global momentum for central bank digital currencies and stablecoin regulations.
He advocates for cautious experimentation paired with collaboration, noting, “We need regulators and innovators at the same table. That’s how you ensure consumer protection while fostering breakthroughs.”
This dialogue must be anchored in shared ethics and guiding principles, beyond mere shared interests.
Focusing on Ethics Amid Policy Shifts
Bringing the discussion full circle, Andrea Perlak, CPA and founder of Crypto Accounting Group, asserts, “Organizations and sectors within the Web3 realm have consistently prioritized high ethical standards… Unethical actions are widely condemned in this small industry, as a tarnished reputation can have lasting consequences.”
She challenges the belief that decentralization equates to chaos. “Decentralization and accountability can coexist… Through transparency, multi-layered governance, and incentives, these systems flourish.”
The narrative surrounding deregulation is misleading, as Perlak emphasizes: “The notion that the crypto sector is undergoing deregulation is inaccurate… ‘Regulation by enforcement’ was rampant under the prior administration… Once proper legislation is in place, the industry will breathe a sigh of relief.”
With legitimate frameworks on the horizon, the industry is not eluding oversight—it’s prepared to engage with it grounded in solid foundations.
Bottom Line
These voices collectively signify a maturing sector transitioning from uncertainty to shared standards, and from secluded systems to transparent, ethical innovation. If the industry leverages this opportunity to prioritize transparency, ethics, and inclusivity—not merely as a requirement but as a moral imperative—it could redefine the future landscape of modern finance.
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