In a landmark decision that provides crucial regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency industry, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has granted no-action relief to Fuse Crypto Limited, allowing the London-based energy-technology company to offer and sell its ENERGY token without registration. This ruling represents one of the clearest examples yet of the SEC distinguishing between utility tokens and investment products, following months of productive engagement between Fuse and the securities regulator that culminated in Monday’s announcement.
about SEC Grants No-Action Relief for Fuse ENERGY TokenBill Hughes
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IRS Allows Tax-Free Staking for Crypto ETFs in New Safe Harbor
The U.S. Treasury and IRS have introduced a landmark safe harbor allowing crypto ETFs to stake digital assets without creating immediate tax liabilities. This regulatory clarity resolves longstanding concerns that prevented institutional participation in staking networks. The move aims to enhance investor benefits while maintaining America’s leadership in blockchain innovation.
about IRS Allows Tax-Free Staking for Crypto ETFs in New Safe HarborSenate Draft Gives CFTC Authority Over Crypto Spot Markets
A bipartisan Senate proposal would grant the Commodity Futures Trading Commission explicit authority to regulate cryptocurrency spot markets, marking a significant step toward establishing clear regulatory frameworks for the digital asset industry. The draft legislation from Senate Agriculture Committee leaders John Boozman and Cory Booker requires exchanges, brokers, and dealers to register with the CFTC while protecting self-custody wallet rights, closing a major regulatory gap that has left most retail crypto trading without federal oversight.
about Senate Draft Gives CFTC Authority Over Crypto Spot MarketsU.S. Treasury Greenlights Crypto Staking for Wall Street Products
The U.S. Treasury and IRS have issued groundbreaking guidance creating a safe harbor for Wall Street crypto products to offer staking rewards, providing crucial regulatory clarity that could significantly boost institutional participation in proof-of-stake blockchains like Ethereum and Solana. Industry leaders are hailing the decision as a major step toward mainstream crypto adoption that removes longstanding legal barriers for traditional financial institutions.
about U.S. Treasury Greenlights Crypto Staking for Wall Street ProductsGoogle Play Tightens Crypto Wallet Rules in 15 Regions
Google Play Store now mandates licensing for crypto wallet apps across 15 jurisdictions, requiring developers to obtain regulatory approvals and adhere to local financial laws. The policy applies to both custodial and non-custodial wallets, with US developers needing FinCEN registration as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and state licenses. Critics highlight that Google’s rules go beyond current legal requirements, particularly for non-custodial wallets, which FinCEN explicitly excludes from MSB obligations. Industry experts, including Consensys lawyer Bill Hughes and Paradigm’s Justin Slaughter, criticize the policy as overly restrictive and inconsistent, especially amid Google’s antitrust scrutiny. The move could stifle innovation by imposing high compliance costs on developers.
about Google Play Tightens Crypto Wallet Rules in 15 RegionsUS Must Pass CLARITY Act to Lead in Crypto Regulation
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) of 2025 is seen as a pivotal move to solidify the US as the global leader in crypto regulation. Bill Hughes, senior counsel at Consensys, emphasizes that while the bill isn’t flawless, it addresses long-standing market structure issues dating back to 2019. Passing the CLARITY Act this summer would provide regulatory certainty, fostering innovation and investor confidence in the digital asset space. Hughes argues that waiting for a ‘perfect’ bill is unrealistic and unnecessary—progress now is better than indefinite delay.
about US Must Pass CLARITY Act to Lead in Crypto RegulationTrump Administration Supports Bill to Repeal IRS Rules on DeFi Projects
The Trump administration has endorsed a congressional resolution to repeal a controversial IRS rule that would impose strict reporting requirements on decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. David Sacks, the administration’s crypto policy chief, argued that the rule could stifle innovation and raise privacy concerns for DeFi users. The House Ways and Means Committee has advanced the measure for a full vote, with support from pro-crypto Republicans.
about Trump Administration Supports Bill to Repeal IRS Rules on DeFi ProjectsBitcoin Market Volatility and Legislative Changes Impacting DeFi Regulations
U.S. lawmakers are advancing a resolution to repeal a controversial IRS rule requiring decentralized finance (DeFi) brokers to report crypto transactions, with the House Ways and Means Committee voting 26-16 in favor. Critics argue the rule is unworkable and infringes on financial privacy, while the IRS maintains it aims to level the playing field with traditional finance. As Bitcoin experiences significant sell-offs, industry leaders express concerns over the impact of regulatory changes on crypto innovation.
about Bitcoin Market Volatility and Legislative Changes Impacting DeFi RegulationsBiden Administration Proposes Regulation for Crypto Wallet Developers Before Transition
A Biden appointee has proposed a rule to hold crypto wallet developers like MetaMask and Phantom liable for fraudulent transactions, aiming to regulate them as financial institutions under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. This move has drawn criticism from crypto leaders, who argue it unfairly targets wallet providers, likening it to holding hammer manufacturers responsible for misuse. With the incoming Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance, the future of this regulation appears uncertain.
about Biden Administration Proposes Regulation for Crypto Wallet Developers Before TransitionUK Treasury Confirms Crypto Staking Is Not a Collective Investment Scheme
The UK Treasury has confirmed that crypto staking is not classified as a collective investment scheme, such as ETFs, providing regulatory clarity for blockchain validators. This decision, effective January 31, 2025, is part of the UK’s initiative to establish a balanced framework for crypto, addressing various aspects including stablecoins and NFTs. Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq emphasized that staking services should not be regulated like investment funds, highlighting the focus on network security rather than profit generation.
about UK Treasury Confirms Crypto Staking Is Not a Collective Investment Scheme