CertiK Says US Crypto Regulation Is Now Clearer Under New Federal Rules

CertiK’s latest U.S. Digital Asset Policy Report indicates that 2025 has been a pivotal year for cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. A series of federal actions have provided the industry with its most straightforward rulebook to date, guiding the sector away from years of uncertainty towards a more structured compliance environment. This significant shift is fundamentally altering the operational landscape for banks, custodians, and crypto companies.

A Clear Three-Pillar Federal Framework

The progress in regulatory development is largely centered around three key developments: the GENIUS Act, the CLARITY Act, and the SEC’s decision to withdraw Staff Accounting Bulletin 121. Collectively, these measures establish the foundation of a new national framework specifically designed for digital assets.

These updated rules provide clear guidelines on how stablecoins must be backed and redeemed, offer more precise definitions for various types of digital tokens, and set established standards for when institutions are legally permitted to offer crypto custody services.

For major banks and trust companies, this translates into reduced ambiguity and more predictable oversight. CertiK's analysis suggests that firms venturing into the custody business now operate with clearer expectations, while stablecoin issuers are required to adhere to uniform standards for both their reserves and overall operations.

States Continue to Develop Digital Asset Rules

Concurrent with the strengthening of federal regulation, individual states are actively continuing to develop their own digital asset rules. CertiK's report highlights an increasing number of states introducing licensing systems, specific cybersecurity standards, and anti-money-laundering requirements. While each state's regulations may differ, the overarching trend points towards a more consistent baseline of compliance for companies operating across the nation.

The report also draws attention to the rapid advancements in blockchain analytics and the development of more sophisticated code-auditing tools. These technologies are becoming increasingly crucial as smart contracts are utilized for a growing volume of financial activities.

Permissioned Digital Assets Are Gaining Momentum

CertiK's review indicates a growing interest from traditional financial institutions in Permissioned Digital Assets. These are blockchain-based instruments specifically designed to operate entirely within established regulatory frameworks.

With liquidity now increasingly bifurcated between major regulatory regions such as the U.S. and Europe (under MiCA), companies that possess the capability to operate across diverse rulebooks and establish compliant infrastructure in multiple jurisdictions are likely to secure a significant competitive advantage.

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