Author: Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf

Crypto Executives Lobby Congress for Stablecoin Interest

The debate surrounding stablecoin regulation has reached new heights as several crypto executives are pushing Congress to allow stablecoin issuers to pay interest on their U.S. dollar-pegged tokens. This proposal has ignited heated discussions among lawmakers, financial institutions, and crypto industry leaders alike.

What Are Stablecoins?

Stablecoins are digital assets pegged to stable assets, such as the U.S. dollar, to minimize volatility. They are widely used for transactions within the crypto space and serve as an alternative to traditional banking systems. Stablecoin issuers hold large reserves, often in U.S. Treasury bonds or other cash equivalents, to maintain the peg to the dollar.

Currently, these issuers generate interest from their holdings but do not share the returns with token holders. Instead, the interest earned remains within the issuing companies. The crypto executives advocating for change argue that it’s unfair for crypto firms to be excluded from offering interest payments while traditional banks do so for their depositors.

The Proposal: Paying Interest on Stablecoins

Proponents of the proposal believe that stablecoin issuers should be allowed to share the interest they earn with token holders. One prominent voice in this push is Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who has criticized the government’s stance on the issue. Armstrong stated, “The government shouldn’t put its thumb on the scale to benefit one industry over another,” highlighting the need for equal treatment between the banking and crypto sectors.

By offering interest, stablecoin issuers could create a new incentive for users to hold digital assets, which could, in turn, encourage broader adoption of cryptocurrencies. This move could potentially open the door for new financial innovations within the crypto space, making stablecoins more competitive with traditional banking products.

Concerns From the Banking Sector

Opponents of allowing interest payments on stablecoins argue that this could disrupt the traditional banking system. The American Bankers Association has voiced significant concerns, suggesting that paying interest on stablecoins could lead to the migration of deposits away from regulated financial institutions, thus destabilizing the banking system.

The banking sector’s main fear is that the ability of crypto companies to pay interest could attract a large number of consumers, diverting capital from banks. This could limit the banks’ ability to provide loans and other financial services, potentially reducing their ability to act as the backbone of the economy. Furthermore, there is concern that such a move could place taxpayers at risk of bearing the costs of any financial losses should stablecoins face issues with liquidity or other risks.

Stablecoin Regulation: Congressional Bills

As the stablecoin regulation debate intensifies, Congress is actively considering bills that would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins. However, these bills have varied approaches to the issue of interest payments.

The House Financial Services Committee approved a bill on April 2, 2025, that would explicitly prohibit stablecoin issuers from paying interest. This bill seeks to maintain the traditional role of banks in offering financial products and services. Conversely, a bill that passed through the Senate Banking Committee in March 2025 is less clear on this issue, with the GENIUS Act (Growing the Economy with New and Innovative Uses of Stablecoins) being on a fast track for approval due to its bipartisan support.

Despite the differences in the bills, both sides agree that stablecoin regulation is essential for ensuring the stability of the crypto market. However, the inclusion of interest payments as part of this regulatory framework remains a contentious point that will likely continue to be debated in the coming months.

The Future of Stablecoin Regulation

The push for stablecoin issuers to pay interest highlights the evolving nature of cryptocurrency regulation. As the market for digital assets grows, regulatory bodies face increasing pressure to adapt traditional financial rules to accommodate these new technologies. The debate over interest payments underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem.

As Congress continues to review the bills and stakeholders on both sides present their arguments, the future of stablecoin regulation will shape the broader crypto landscape. Should interest payments be allowed, it could mark a significant shift in how digital assets are integrated into the global financial system.

Ultimately, the resolution of this debate will have long-lasting implications for the stability and growth of both the crypto and traditional banking sectors.

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Why a Diversified Crypto Investment Strategy Matters

Cryptocurrencies have evolved from speculative assets to a legitimate investment class. However, investing in digital assets requires a well-structured crypto investment strategy to balance risk and reward. While Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) dominate the market, diversification across multiple cryptocurrencies can enhance portfolio stability.

Financial firms like WisdomTree (NYSE:WT) have recognized this trend, offering exchange-traded products (ETPs) to provide diversified exposure to digital assets. By integrating a crypto investment strategy, investors can minimize volatility while capturing the sector’s growth.

The Role of Crypto Indices in Portfolio Diversification

A strong crypto investment strategy includes exposure to multiple digital assets rather than relying solely on Bitcoin. Investors traditionally diversify equity and bond portfolios, and the same principle applies to cryptocurrencies. The CoinDesk 20 index, often compared to the S&P 500 for crypto, allows investors to track a broad selection of digital assets.

WisdomTree’s latest ETP, based on the CoinDesk 20, provides investors with a practical and diversified way to engage with the crypto market. This approach removes the complexity of selecting individual tokens while ensuring exposure to the broader digital asset ecosystem.

Trends in Crypto Adoption and Market Growth

Cryptocurrency adoption has surged globally, with institutional investors incorporating digital assets into their portfolios. The total crypto market capitalization has reached approximately $3 trillion, rivaling traditional investment sectors like high-yield bonds and emerging market equities.

While the United States leads in crypto regulation, Europe has been a pioneer in providing investment solutions such as ETPs. Since 2019, firms like WisdomTree have enabled investors to access crypto markets through structured financial products, enhancing accessibility and security.

Staking and Yield-Generating Crypto Investments

A comprehensive crypto investment strategy should also consider yield-generating opportunities such as staking. Certain crypto ETPs allow investors to participate in network governance while earning staking rewards. WisdomTree’s ETPs incorporate staking for select assets, providing an additional revenue stream alongside price appreciation.

By including staking in a diversified crypto portfolio, investors can optimize returns while supporting the underlying blockchain networks. This strategy is particularly relevant as decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to expand, offering new ways to generate passive income.

Conclusion: Building a Long-Term Crypto Investment Strategy

A successful crypto investment strategy involves more than just buying Bitcoin. Diversification across multiple digital assets, leveraging index-based investment products, and incorporating staking can create a well-rounded portfolio.

As institutional adoption grows and financial firms expand their crypto offerings, investors have more options than ever to build a sustainable crypto investment strategy that balances risk and reward.

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Crypto Adoption in the U.S. Reaches 55 Million Users

The rise of cryptocurrency has been a major financial trend over the past decade, and a new study highlights just how widespread crypto adoption in the U.S. has become. According to the 2025 State of the Crypto Holders Report, 55 million American adults now use digital assets, with a majority reporting positive experiences.

Crypto Ownership Is More Diverse Than Expected

The study, conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) in partnership with Harris Poll, surveyed 10,000 American crypto holders. It found that crypto adoption in the U.S. spans various demographics:

  • 67% of crypto holders are under 45, but 15% are over 55. 
  • 31% of holders are women, breaking the stereotype that cryptocurrency is male-dominated. 
  • 12% of holders work in construction, compared to 7% in financial services. 
  • 42% of crypto owners earn more than $150,000 annually, but 26% make under $75,000. 
  • 40% hold less than $5,000 in digital assets, showing that crypto isn’t just for wealthy investors. 

Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA, emphasized that crypto adoption in the U.S. is not limited to a single type of person. “People from all backgrounds are engaging with crypto in many ways, and they’re already benefiting from it today,” he stated.

High Trust in Crypto and the Role of Regulation

Despite concerns about volatility and security, trust in cryptocurrency remains high among holders:

  • 76% trust crypto as much or more than traditional banks. 
  • 64% support government regulation of crypto, but 67% fear it could stifle innovation. 
  • 73% want the U.S. to become a global leader in crypto and blockchain technology. 

These findings suggest that while crypto holders recognize the need for regulation, they also want policies that encourage growth rather than limit adoption.

Why Americans Are Embracing Crypto

The survey revealed that crypto provides value beyond investment returns. The top reasons for adoption include:

  • Learning opportunities and personal growth (45%) 
  • Excitement about new technology (45%) 
  • Sense of achievement from investment gains (44%) 

More than half (56%) of holders entered the market between 2020 and 2025. The most common reasons were investment potential (60%), curiosity (50%), and recommendations from friends and family (36%).

How Crypto Is Being Used Beyond Investing

While many view crypto as an investment, a significant portion of users are actively spending and engaging with digital assets:

  • 39% use crypto to buy goods and services. 
  • 96% of these buyers make at least one crypto purchase annually, and 9% use it daily. 
  • 32% trade NFTs, while 20% participate in decentralized gaming. 
  • 15% use crypto for real estate transactions. 

The Future of Crypto Adoption in the U.S.

Looking ahead, crypto holders believe digital assets will play an essential role in financial and technological advancements. Key expectations include:

  • 45% believe crypto can improve financial inclusion and reduce poverty. 
  • 38% see crypto driving innovation in digital transactions. 
  • 33% expect crypto to enhance international trade. 

With growing adoption and strong optimism, the future of crypto in the U.S. looks promising. As regulations evolve and new use cases emerge, the digital asset economy is likely to expand even further.

As cryptocurrency adoption in the U.S. continues to grow, the focus will likely shift toward improving accessibility, security, and education. With millions of Americans already using digital assets, businesses and financial institutions may increasingly integrate blockchain technology into their services. Additionally, regulatory clarity could help legitimize the industry and attract more mainstream investors. However, challenges remain, including cybersecurity risks and fluctuating market conditions. Despite these obstacles, the enthusiasm for digital assets suggests that crypto is here to stay. As innovation drives further adoption, the U.S. could cement its position as a leader in the global cryptocurrency landscape.

Looking ahead, the role of crypto in everyday transactions, investment portfolios, and financial inclusion will likely expand. As more individuals and businesses embrace digital assets, education and regulation will play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. With growing awareness and adoption, cryptocurrency could become a fundamental part of the modern financial system.

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U.S. Agencies Must Reveal Bitcoin and Crypto Holdings by April 5

The deadline for U.S. federal agencies to disclose their crypto holdings is rapidly approaching, with April 5 set as the date for agencies to report their Bitcoin and other digital asset holdings to the Secretary of the Treasury. This requirement is part of President Donald Trump’s executive order signed on March 6, which established a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile. The order mandates that all federal agencies disclose the digital assets they hold as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.

Background on the Executive Order

The executive order represents a significant development in the U.S. government’s involvement with digital assets. It directs the Treasury Department to create two separate reserves — one for Bitcoin (BTC) and one for other cryptocurrencies such as XRP (Ripple), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). These assets will come from those seized during criminal investigations or forfeiture processes. According to David Sacks, the White House’s crypto czar, the U.S. government already holds approximately 200,000 Bitcoin, although a complete audit of these holdings has not been conducted to date.

U.S. Government’s Crypto Holdings: What We Know

As of April 1, 2025, the U.S. government is known to own 198,012 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $16.8 billion based on current market prices. This Bitcoin is part of the assets the government has acquired over the years through law enforcement actions. However, with the creation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the Digital Asset Stockpile, there is potential for these holdings to increase.

The Digital Asset Stockpile will not be limited to Bitcoin but will also include other major cryptocurrencies like XRP, Solana, and Cardano. President Trump has already indicated that these digital assets will be part of the reserve, potentially raising their profile and impact in the market. The federal agencies must report these holdings by April 5, providing a clearer picture of the U.S. government’s involvement with digital currencies.

What Will the Disclosure Mean for the Market?

Once federal agencies disclose their crypto holdings to the Treasury Secretary, it could have major implications for the cryptocurrency market. A more comprehensive view of the government’s digital asset reserves could lead to increased investor confidence, particularly in Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies listed in the executive order. If investors believe the U.S. government is increasingly backing these assets, it could provide a significant boost to their value.

However, this move comes at a time when other economic concerns are weighing heavily on the markets. Although the cryptocurrency market rebounded slightly on April 1, the overall market cap has declined by approximately 7% in the past week, currently sitting at $2.76 trillion. Concerns over President Trump’s pursuit of a global tariff war and the impact of broader economic policies have dampened market sentiment, affecting both traditional and digital asset markets.

What’s Next for the U.S. Digital Asset Strategy?

Looking forward, the U.S. government will not be acquiring additional Bitcoin for the Digital Asset Stockpile beyond what has already been seized. However, there are still opportunities for agencies to acquire more assets through forfeiture processes. The Treasury and Commerce Secretaries have been authorized to pursue strategies to acquire more digital assets, though any additional Bitcoin acquisition will not affect the current stockpile’s composition.

This executive order could also lead to more comprehensive regulations for the crypto industry in the U.S. As the federal government becomes more involved with digital currencies, additional policies may emerge to govern their use, trading, and taxation. It’s clear that cryptocurrencies are becoming more intertwined with U.S. financial strategy, but how this will unfold remains to be seen.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for U.S. Crypto Holdings

The disclosure of U.S. crypto holdings by April 5 marks a crucial moment in the evolution of the nation’s relationship with digital assets. With Bitcoin, XRP, Solana, and Cardano poised to become part of the government’s stockpile, the spotlight is on these cryptocurrencies and how they will influence the broader market. As the world’s largest economy takes a more prominent role in crypto, the sector could see a shift in how governments and investors view digital assets.

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Donald Trump’s Crypto Reforms in Q1 2025: A New Era

In the early months of 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has quickly solidified his pro-crypto stance, delivering on promises made during his election campaign. Through a series of executive orders and key appointments, Trump has laid the groundwork for sweeping crypto reforms in the United States. This article provides a breakdown of these developments, showcasing how the Trump administration is taking bold steps to shape the future of digital currencies in the U.S.

January: U.S. Crypto Reforms Take Shape

Trump’s second term began with the signing of an executive order (EO) aimed at reshaping U.S. crypto regulations. This EO established the formation of a crypto working group, tasked with providing a comprehensive report on crypto regulations and stablecoins by July 2025. The EO also addressed the controversial topic of a U.S. dollar central bank digital currency (CBDC), with the administration opting to ban its creation. This move diverges sharply from global trends, where many countries are exploring the development of their own CBDCs.

Additionally, Trump ordered the creation of a national digital asset stockpile, which would include various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. In March, two additional EOs officially set up crypto reserves, solidifying the U.S. government’s position in the digital asset space.

Furthermore, the repeal of the Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB121) marked a significant victory for the crypto industry, especially for companies engaged in digital asset holdings. This regulatory change paves the way for greater clarity and less restrictive rules around digital assets.

Key Appointments and Pro-Crypto Appointments

Trump made several high-profile appointments that further signaled his commitment to crypto reforms. Former PayPal executive David Sacks was appointed as the AI and Crypto Czar, tasked with overseeing the integration of digital assets into the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, Caroline Pham was named acting Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Scott Bessent took on the role of Secretary of the Treasury. These appointments were instrumental in creating a pro-crypto environment in Washington.

Moreover, the appointment of Tim Scott as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee allowed for the establishment of the Senate’s first-ever crypto-focused subcommittee. This subcommittee was led by Cynthia Lummis, a prominent advocate for Bitcoin (BTC), and marked the beginning of serious legislative efforts to explore crypto-related policies.

February: SEC’s Crypto Reversal

In February, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made headlines with its reversal of previous regulatory stances. Once viewed as an opponent of cryptocurrency, the SEC began dismissing cases against major players like Binance, Coinbase, and Robinhood, signaling a shift in regulatory attitude. This is an encouraging sign for the industry, as the SEC’s actions laid the groundwork for a more open and friendly regulatory environment for crypto in the U.S.

March: Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

March proved to be a landmark month for crypto developments under Trump’s administration. On March 6, the White House hosted the first-ever Crypto Summit, bringing together industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers to discuss the future of the U.S. crypto sector. At the summit, Trump unveiled plans to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, capitalized by the 198,012 BTC that the U.S. government has seized over the years. This reserve would solidify the U.S.’s position as a major player in the crypto space.

Trump also signed another EO that created a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, expanding the nation’s crypto holdings to include not only Bitcoin but also other digital assets such as Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA).

In addition, the reintroduction of the Digital Commodity Exchange Act (DCEA) sought to expand the remit of the CFTC in regulating crypto markets, providing clarity and consumer protection for digital assets traded in the U.S.

What to Expect in 2025

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for crypto in the U.S. With Paul Atkins still awaiting confirmation as the new SEC chair, progress on crypto legislation may slow temporarily. However, upcoming crypto roundtables will focus on decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), signaling continued innovation in the sector.

Overall, Trump’s efforts in Q1 2025 have set the stage for significant crypto reforms, ushering in a new era of digital currency adoption in the U.S. These bold initiatives signal a clear departure from the more cautious stance taken by the previous administration, potentially marking the beginning of a major shift in U.S. policy towards cryptocurrencies.

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