Bitcoin News Today: Trump Signs Landmark GENIUS Act and Expands Crypto in 401(k) Plans

On July 18, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act into law, marking a significant legislative shift in the nation's approach to cryptocurrency regulation [1]. As the first federal law specifically addressing stablecoins, the GENIUS Act aims to establish a clear legal and regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding digital asset sector. The legislation underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to maintaining U.S. leadership in the global crypto market while promoting innovation and financial stability [3].

The GENIUS Act addresses key regulatory challenges, including the oversight of stablecoin issuance, reserve requirements, and interagency coordination. By clearly defining the roles of federal entities such as the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, and the Comptroller of the Currency, the law seeks to reduce regulatory fragmentation and create a more cohesive governance model for stablecoins [3]. The move is widely regarded as necessary to address systemic risks and enhance consumer protection in the digital asset ecosystem [6].

In tandem with the GENIUS Act, the Trump administration issued an executive order on July 19, 2025, allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrencies and private equity investments. This directive expands investment options for Americans and signals broader efforts to integrate digital assets into mainstream financial systems. While the move has generated enthusiasm among industry stakeholders, it has also raised concerns about risk management and regulatory compliance [2]. The inclusion of crypto in retirement plans represents a major step toward mainstream adoption and is expected to attract new capital into the sector [5].

The timing of these developments highlights a coordinated strategy to reinforce the U.S. position in the global crypto landscape. Together, the GENIUS Act and the 401(k) executive order represent a unified effort to foster innovation, attract capital, and ensure regulatory clarity. These measures have been welcomed by industry participants as essential for supporting the next phase of crypto adoption in the United States [10]. By addressing legal uncertainties and expanding investment avenues, the administration is positioning the U.S. as a key player in the evolving digital asset ecosystem.

However, successful implementation of these initiatives will require close monitoring. Critics have raised concerns about the volatility of crypto assets and the adequacy of consumer safeguards. As federal agencies prepare to issue detailed guidance on compliance and operational frameworks, market participants remain attentive to developments that may affect stability and investor confidence [4]. The coming months will be critical in determining how effectively these new policies translate into broader economic and financial benefits.

Overall, the signing of the GENIUS Act and the introduction of the 401(k) executive order represent a pivotal shift in U.S. crypto policy. By addressing critical regulatory gaps and expanding investment opportunities, these actions aim to solidify the United States’ leadership in the global digital asset landscape [7].

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Source:

[1] The GENIUS Act Passes: Next Steps for Regulation of ... (https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/the-genius-act-passes-next-steps-for-regulation-of-payment-stablecoins.html)

[2] Bitcoin likely to lead gains from Trump's 401(k) crypto order (https://cointelegraph.com/news/trump-executive-order-crypto-401k-industry-reactions)

[3] The GENIUS Act of 2025: The First Federal Legislation for ... (https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-genius-act-of-2025-the-first-1329041/)

[4] Presidential Working Group Issues Report and ... (https://www.fintechanddigitalassets.com/2025/08/presidential-working-group-issues-report-and-recommendations-on-digital-asset-markets/)

[5] Trump opens the door for private equity and crypto as 401 ... (https://m.economictimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/trump-opens-the-door-for-private-equity-and-crypto-as-401k-retirement-plan-options/articleshow/123179205.cms)

[6] ✅ 200 Days of Winning: President Trump Is Keeping His ... (https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/08/%E2%9C%85-200-days-of-winning-president-trump-is-keeping-his-promises/)

[7] Bitcoin Advances As Trump Adds Crypto To 401(k) Plans (https://www.investors.com/news/bitcoin-price-cryptocurrency-trump-401k-plans/)

[10] President Donald Trump holds up the signed document after signing the GENIUS Act... (https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/trump-order-401k-americans-retirement-20809044.php)