Cryptocurrency executives are optimistic that the U.S. will pass comprehensive federal regulations for digital assets in 2025. The return of Donald Trump to the White House—an outspoken backer of bitcoin—has fueled this optimism, marking a shift from the enforcement-heavy approach of the previous administration.
Top executives from major crypto firms, including Coinbase, Binance, and Circle, spoke to CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the promising regulatory outlook under the new administration.
Trump’s Pro-Crypto Stance Boosts Industry Confidence
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong described the current atmosphere as the “dawn of a new day” for crypto. Reflecting on the last four years, Armstrong said, “We really felt like we were being attacked by the previous administration. They weaponized the lack of regulatory clarity to target even good actors like us.”
Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based crypto trading platform, has long positioned itself as a regulated alternative to offshore exchanges like Binance. Armstrong emphasized that the crypto industry is ready for clear rules and legislation, noting, “The industry is eager for change, and that’s our big push this year.”
SEC Launches Crypto Task Force
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced the creation of a “crypto task force” aimed at establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. The panel will focus on defining rules for token issuance, trading, and asset management, as well as addressing coin registration concerns.
Binance CEO Richard Teng expressed optimism about the SEC’s initiative, predicting significant progress in U.S. crypto legislation this year. “We expect clearer regulations, which will be supportive for bitcoin and other digital assets,” Teng said during a CNBC-hosted fireside chat in Davos.
Bitcoin’s Record-Breaking Momentum
Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, reached $104,000 in early 2025, driven by market enthusiasm for a pro-crypto administration. Teng believes the regulatory clarity expected this year could push the crypto sector to new all-time highs.
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve on the Horizon
A key proposal that has excited the industry is Trump’s suggestion of a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve. Binance’s Teng believes such a reserve could be funded by crypto assets seized from criminal operations, echoing Trump’s campaign promises.
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, also supports the idea, stating that central banks holding reserves in bitcoin could signal a return to commodity-backed money. “We’ve seen significant abuses of fiat currency globally,” Allaire said. “This is a critical topic for the U.S. government.”
Stablecoin Legislation in Focus
Allaire highlighted the growing bipartisan support for regulating stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to real-world assets like the U.S. dollar. Circle, the issuer of USDC, has been a key advocate for the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act, which aims to license stablecoin issuers.
“The U.S. has strong champions in the crypto space,” Allaire said. “Under this administration, we expect rapid progress on rulemaking and policy advancements, especially around stablecoins.”
What’s Next for Crypto?
With a supportive administration and industry momentum, 2025 could be a transformative year for U.S. crypto regulations. Leaders in the space are pushing for clarity to unlock growth and innovation, while ensuring fair rules for investors and developers alike.
