Hedge fund trade body backs steps to new US crypto regime

In a statement published on Monday, AIMA welcomed the passing on Thursday of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), which covers the issuance stablecoins backed by the US dollar.

US policymakers also approved last week a wider role for the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in crypto markets.

"These landmark bills take important steps toward providing the regulatory clarity and legal certainty needed to unlock institutional capital, foster responsible innovation and reinforce US leadership in next-generation financial technologies,” London-based AIMA said in an emailed statement. "We commend Congressional leaders and the Administration for their commitment to fostering a secure, transparent and competitive digital asset ecosystem in the United States.”

FIA president and chief executive Walt Lukken last week called for an extension of the futures model to include oversight of more digital assets.

Acting chair of the CFTC Caroline Pham also welcomed the votes on Friday, saying the moves should encourage innovation by US authorities.

“Under President Trump’s strong leadership and clear vision, Crypto Week is the beginning of America’s golden age of digital asset innovation,” Pham said in a statement. “The CFTC stands ready to fulfil our mission and oversee our markets that enable US economic growth and competitiveness. The future is bright.”

Last week was known as “Crypto Week” in Washington, where policymakers worked on various crypto bills including a vote prohibiting the issuance of a US central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Pham is set to step down in the coming weeks after the appointment of crypto-friendly Brian Quintenz as permanent chair of the US futures watchdog.