{"id":35035,"date":"2025-07-28T17:51:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T15:51:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metlabs.io\/regulacion-blockchain-estados-unidos\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T15:30:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T13:30:52","slug":"united-states","status":"publish","type":"reg-blockchain","link":"https:\/\/metlabs.io\/en\/blockchain-regulation\/united-states\/","title":{"rendered":"Blockchain Regulation in the United States: Essential 2025 Guidance."},"content":{"rendered":"

The adoption of blockchain technology and asset tokenization is advancing at a rapid pace, but the real engine driving its global development is the existence of a clear, consistent and innovation-friendly legal framework<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Some countries have already established themselves as regulatory benchmarks, establishing specific rules for cryptoassets, DLT infrastructures and the issuance of legally backed tokens. In this article we show you relevant information about blockchain regulation in the United States<\/strong>, which you can use as a guide if you are looking to operate internationally or evaluate different strategic locations. <\/p>\n

\"Discover<\/p>\n

What is the crypto regulation in the United States?<\/h2>\n

The United States is one of the most relevant markets<\/strong> for blockchain and digital assets, although its legal framework is characterized by fragmented regulation. There is no single federal law like the European MiCA Regulation. Instead, various federal and state agencies oversee different aspects: the SEC regulates security tokens<\/strong>, the CFTC regulates commodities<\/strong>, and FinCEN regulates AML obligations.<\/strong> In addition, certain states have their own regulations, such as New York with the BitLicense. <\/p>\n

2019<\/strong>: SEC and FinCEN guidance on digital assets.
\n2021<\/strong>: First bitcoin futures ETF approvals.
\n2022<\/strong>: Presidential executive order on crypto policy.
\n2023<\/strong>: Proposed legislation on digital asset market structure.
\n2024<\/strong>: Legislative developments on stablecoins and reinforcement of AML frameworks.
\n2025<\/strong>: Approval in the Senate of the GENIUS<\/strong> Act<\/strong><\/a> for stablecoins.<\/p>\n

Current legislation for virtual assets in the U.S.<\/h2>\n

Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934<\/h3>\n

These landmark laws form the basis of securities regulation<\/strong> in the United States and apply fully to cryptoassets that are considered securities<\/strong>. The SEC has made it clear that many digital tokens, including security tokens and certain ICO issuances, must comply with these laws. This involves registration, transparency, risk disclosure and investor protection requirements. <\/p>\n

Commodity Exchange Act (CEA)<\/h3>\n

The CFTC oversees cryptoassets classified as commodities<\/strong>, such as bitcoin<\/strong> and ether<\/strong>. Under the CEA, futures<\/strong>, options<\/strong> and swaps<\/strong> markets on these assets are regulated. Platforms offering derivatives<\/strong> on cryptoassets<\/strong> must register with the CFTC and comply with strict transparency, governance and consumer protection requirements. <\/p>\n

Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)<\/h3>\n

The Bank Secrecy Act is the key anti-money laundering<\/strong> (AML) regulation in the United States. FinCEN requires virtual asset service providers (VASPs), such as exchanges or custodians, to register as MSBs<\/strong> (Money Services Business), implement robust AML programs, apply KYC controls and report suspicious transactions. <\/p>\n

State Money Transmitter Laws<\/h3>\n

Each state in the U.S. can impose its own money transmission laws<\/strong>. Some, such as New York, require specific licenses such as BitLicense<\/strong> to legally operate cryptoassets. This forces crypto companies to comply with additional state licensing, transparency and solvency requirements on top of federal requirements. <\/p>\n

Clarity Act (2025)<\/h3>\n

Seeks to establish a clear federal framework for digital asset markets<\/strong>. It aims to grant the CFTC exclusive authority<\/strong> over “digital commodities”<\/strong> and create a process for certain digital assets to transit from SEC jurisdiction to the CFTC, clarify the status of tokens, stablecoins and DeFi platforms, and introduce uniform rules nationwide. <\/p>\n

Genius Act (2025)<\/h3>\n

Provides an innovative regulatory framework<\/strong> for the blockchain industry. It includes provisions on taxation of transactions with digital assets<\/strong>, regulating only fiat-backed payment stablecoins, excluding algorithmic ones<\/strong>, legal clarity for asset tokenization and guidelines for the integration of DeFi solutions into traditional financial systems. <\/p>\n

What is the Genius Act?<\/h2>\n

The GENIUS Act<\/strong> is a landmark law passed in the United States that establishes the first comprehensive federal framework for the regulation of stablecoins, particularly those linked to the US dollar. This legislation seeks to regulate the issuance and oversight of these digital assets used as a means of payment, with an emphasis on transparency, security and consumer protection. <\/p>\n

Its main features include:<\/p>\n