Saylor Urges U.S. to Define Crypto Taxonomy for Clarity and Growth

Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, has reiterated the urgent need for the U.S. government to establish a formal and legally binding cryptocurrency taxonomy. During MicroStrategy’s Q2 2025 earnings call, Saylor emphasized that defining digital assets—specifically the distinction between digital securities, commodities, and tokens—is crucial for reducing regulatory ambiguity and enabling businesses to operate confidently in the digital asset space. “It would be good for the market if they nailed down the digital assets taxonomy,” Saylor said, highlighting how the current lack of clear definitions creates confusion for both issuers and investors [1].

The call for regulatory clarity aligns with ongoing tensions between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and various crypto firms. The ambiguity around whether tokens qualify as securities or commodities has led to protracted legal disputes, complicating market operations and stifling innovation. SEC Chair Gary Gensler recently acknowledged that much of the innovation in tokenization is occurring internationally due to U.S. regulatory barriers. However, he noted that several companies are seeking tokenization permission from the SEC, and he has directed staff to consider regulatory relief to preserve U.S. competitiveness [1].

In response to these challenges, the White House Working Group on Digital Asset Markets has urged federal agencies to accelerate the development of clear regulatory guidance for digital assets. This includes rules around custody, trading, and record-keeping. Saylor welcomed these efforts, particularly the upcoming Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025, which is set for congressional review in September. The proposed legislation aims to provide a comprehensive framework for tokenization, outlining when and how digital assets can be issued or traded. Saylor praised the bill for offering a “rich framework” to support broader adoption, envisioning a future where businesses can tokenize assets quickly and affordably [1].

While Saylor’s advocacy reflects a broader industry demand for clarity, it also highlights the regulatory challenges that remain. Robinhood, for example, is actively pursuing tokenization strategies to bring private market assets to U.S. retail investors through blockchain-based tokens. However, the company has faced regulatory scrutiny, including a legal inquiry in Lithuania and a public warning from OpenAI regarding misleading token representation [1].

Saylor’s comments underscore the potential economic benefits of a well-defined crypto taxonomy. A clear regulatory framework could enhance investor confidence, streamline compliance obligations, and foster innovation in financial services. As the U.S. works to address these issues, the speed of legislative and regulatory progress will be critical in determining the nation’s ability to compete in the global digital asset economy [2][3].

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[1] FXLeaders - [https://www.fxleaders.com/news/2025/08/01/michael-saylor-urges-u-s-to-define-crypto-laws-as-40-token-era-nears/](https://www.fxleaders.com/news/2025/08/01/michael-saylor-urges-u-s-to-define-crypto-laws-as-40-token-era-nears/)

[2] AInvest - [https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-michael-saylor-pushes-clear-crypto-regulatory-framework-2508/](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-michael-saylor-pushes-clear-crypto-regulatory-framework-2508/)

[3] OneSafe - [https://www.onesafe.io/blog/clear-crypto-definitions-path-to-innovation](https://www.onesafe.io/blog/clear-crypto-definitions-path-to-innovation)