US Crypto Regulations

When navigating US crypto regulations, the body of federal laws, agency guidance, and enforcement actions that govern digital asset activities in the United States. Also known as U.S. cryptocurrency regulations, it shapes how exchanges, DeFi projects, and individual traders operate. The landscape pulls together multiple agencies: the SEC, which enforces securities laws on token offerings; the CFTC, which treats many cryptocurrencies as commodities; and FinCEN, which issues AML and KYC guidance. Together they create a web of requirements that every market participant must follow.

Key Pillars of the Regulatory Framework

The first pillar is SEC enforcement. The agency looks at whether a token qualifies as a security under the Howey test, and it can bring civil actions against unregistered offers. The second pillar involves the CFTC, which monitors commodity futures and derivatives markets, requiring registration for platforms that enable leveraged crypto trading. The third pillar is FinCEN guidance, which mandates that money‑service‑businesses—including crypto exchanges—implement robust anti‑money‑laundering (AML) programs, file suspicious activity reports, and verify customer identities. Finally, the AML compliance requirements tie all three agencies together, ensuring that illicit funds don’t slip through the cracks. In short, US crypto regulations encompass SEC enforcement actions, CFTC commodity oversight, FinCEN AML rules, and cross‑agency reporting duties.

Understanding US crypto regulations helps you avoid costly penalties and stay ahead of policy shifts. Below you’ll find practical guides on how to assess exchange compliance, navigate airdrop eligibility under evolving rules, and protect your assets when dealing with geofencing or VPN detection. Whether you’re a trader, project founder, or compliance officer, the collection links the regulatory pillars to real‑world steps you can take today.