Bitcoin News Today: U.S. Recognizes Digital Asset, Boosts Blockchain Adoption

The U.S. government has made a landmark decision by formally recognizing a key digital asset, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of blockchain technology within mainstream financial infrastructure. This historic move was confirmed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins, who highlighted the potential of stablecoins to revolutionize financial transactions and reduce costs and risks in the market.

Atkins emphasized that the U.S. government's endorsement of this digital asset will facilitate near-instantaneous settlements of payment versus delivery for securities, thanks to on-chain stablecoins. This advancement is expected to foster innovation and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. markets on a global scale. The recognition comes on the heels of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 18, 2025. This legislation provides the first comprehensive federal framework for regulating payment stablecoins, aiming to offer regulatory clarity, strengthen consumer protections, and support innovation in the expanding stablecoin market.

In the same interview, Atkins provided informal insights into the regulatory status of major cryptocurrencies, noting that the SEC has informally indicated that ether is not considered a security. He underscored Ethereum's foundational role in the digital currency ecosystem, stating that the ETH blockchain is a crucial component for many other digital currencies. This acknowledgment suggests a softening stance by the SEC toward the use of these assets in financial infrastructure, signaling that stablecoins and platforms powered by bitcoin and ethereum are increasingly being recognized as essential elements of modern markets.

This shift in regulatory posture represents a significant departure from previous administrations' approaches to cryptocurrencies, which were often marked by legal actions and unclear regulations. The current administration's support for the digital asset industry is evident in Trump's transition from a skeptic to a Bitcoin believer. During his first few months in office, Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic crypto reserve and tasked the White House crypto working committee with finding budget-neutral means of acquiring more Bitcoin. This move earned him financial support and the votes of crypto enthusiasts.

Trump's administration has also demonstrated a proactive approach to cryptocurrency regulation. The president urged the U.S. House to pass the GENIUS bill swiftly and intervened to resolve setbacks, showcasing his commitment to the digital asset industry. The adoption of cryptocurrencies under Trump's administration has seen significant performance improvements, with Bitcoin rallying to a new all-time high and other major cryptocurrencies experiencing substantial gains.

The GENIUS Act establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are tied to the value of a nation's currency. This legislation is expected to bring trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy and sustain the U.S. dollar's relevance in the global financial landscape. The bipartisan support for the GENIUS Act underscores the growing recognition of the digital asset industry's potential to drive economic growth and innovation.