Crypto gains ground in Washington and Wall Street

A growing political and financial interest in digital currencies is reshaping policy and markets in Washington and beyond.

Crypto gains ground in Washington and Wall Street

Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas drew about 35,000 attendees, showing crypto has moved from a niche topic to a broader movement that attracts investors, developers and believers alike. Speakers praised the potential of digital assets while warning of scams and volatility, underscoring a split view on the asset class.

In Washington and the White House, crypto has become a policy issue with real stakes. The campaign has aligned crypto advocates with the idea that digital currencies can be mainstream, and lawmakers are weighing bills to regulate trading while encouraging retail and corporate experimentation. The GenIus Act opens doors for large retailers to issue their own digital currencies, while a congress- p pro-crypto push has drawn money to friendly candidates. Meanwhile, the Biden and Trump administrations have shifted approaches on enforcement, complicating the path for consumers and businesses caught in the crossfire.

Economic signals have followed the attention. The Federal Reserve notes only a small share of Americans own crypto and even fewer use it for purchases, but crypto markets have recently hit new highs with bitcoin briefly surpassing 120000 a coin. Revenue from token sales linked to political and business figures also drew scrutiny as the White House distanced itself from potential conflicts of interest. Regulators and lawmakers say the goal is to protect consumers while not stifling innovation, a line that remains difficult to draw.

The story here is not just about crypto prices. It is about how politics and money intersect with new technology. Washington is fast becoming a testing ground for how far the state will go to regulate digital assets while the industry tries to shape rules that favor growth. That tension creates a risk of policy capture, where writing the rules could become a negotiating chip for those who stand to benefit from the industry’s success.

A central worry is consumer protection. As the industry spends heavily on influence, some experts warn that enthusiasm could outpace safeguards, leaving everyday users exposed to fraud and losses during a period of high volatility. The challenge for officials is clear: encourage innovation and access, while building a framework that reduces risk for households and small investors.

Highlights

The debate over crypto will shape policy, markets and daily life for years to come.