Crypto keeps moving fast, but 2025 is proving that regulators can move fast, too, when they want to. From Washington to Dubai, Buenos Aires to Astana, governments are passing laws that reshape what it means to use, trade, and even earn with cryptocurrencies. This is the next chapter in a long story of authorities tightening their grip and trying to balance innovation with oversight.
For those holding coins, building projects, or simply curious about what’s ahead, it helps to understand what these new rules look like. Many of them touch on stablecoins, privacy, exchanges, salaries, and taxes. Some feel protective, others restrictive. Either way, these laws will shape how much freedom, risk, and opportunity crypto can offer. Here are some of the most important developments to keep an eye on as the year unfolds.
GENIUS and CLARITY Acts in the US
In July 2025, the United States passed three landmark bills shaping crypto’s future. The GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins) sets up a framework for stablecoins, treating them almost like digital dollars but issued by private entities under state and federal oversight. This law is meant to offer security and fast payments while forcing issuers to follow strict reporting and reserve rules.
The CLARITY Act (Cryptocurrency Legal Clarity Act), on the other hand, tries to resolve one of crypto’s most persistent headaches in the US: whether a token is a security, a commodity, or something else entirely. This bill proposes clear definitions, which could reduce friction between crypto projects and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). By providing a path forward, it aims to make it easier for legitimate projects to operate without fear of sudden enforcement actions.
Alongside these, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act also made its way into discussions. This bill seeks to block the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), reflecting growing worries over surveillance and privacy risks. Some critics argue that the US government is just turning US-based stablecoins into CBDCs of their own, though. Meanwhile, in May 2025, Hong Kong passed a stablecoin bill that introduced a full regulatory system for those assets as well. Around the world, stablecoins seem to be at the center of attention, also with MiCA in Europe.
Bonus: Crypto-Friendly Position in US
In general, The Trump administration has been pretty crypto-friendly. Trump signed an order in March 2025 to create a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” basically a digital Fort Knox holding government-seized coins. On top of that, digital assets like Bitcoin are now allowed in 401(k) retirement plans, giving everyday savers a way to stash crypto for the long haul.
Other friendly moves we can mention include the Department of Justice (DOJ) shutting down its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, which eased pressure on exchanges and developers. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also dropped lawsuits against platforms like Kraken and Binance. Plus, Trump even hosted a White House Crypto Summit with industry leaders this year.
New Frameworks in Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Vietnam
In Kazakhstan, lawmakers were shaken by reports of a $15 billion capital outflow linked to unregulated crypto trading. In May 2025, they announced plans to tighten cryptocurrency regulations. The proposed measures include mandatory registration for exchanges, a sandbox for companies, and stricter capital controls to stop funds from leaving the country without oversight.
In Pakistan, the story takes a similar turn. This year, the government created the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), a dedicated agency to oversee crypto. PVARA is tasked with licensing exchanges, setting anti-money laundering standards, and educating the public about risks and opportunities. For a country where crypto operated in a gray area for years, this marks a significant shift toward formal recognition. They’re also planning to create a Bitcoin reserve.
Vietnam followed its own path. In June 2025, the government legalized crypto for specific uses as part of its plan to build a stronger digital economy. The strategy includes supporting crypto development, fostering innovation hubs, and attracting foreign investment, while keeping speculation under control. Compared to Kazakhstan’s defensive posture or Pakistan’s cautious embrace, Vietnam treats crypto as a potential growth engine.
Latin America: From Salaries to Security
This region has also been busy with new crypto rules. In Brazil, a bill introduced in March 2025 would let workers receive part of their salaries in Bitcoin. The proposal reflects the growing popularity of crypto in the country and the public’s wish to protect earnings from inflation. Supporters say it gives people more control over their money, while critics warn about volatility. The idea is still under debate but already sparking interest.
Argentina moved faster. On March 13, 2025, the government passed Resolution CNV 1058, which introduced strict requirements for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). These include registration, licenses, annual audits, monthly reports, cybersecurity measures, and custody standards. This aligns Argentina with global anti-money laundering practices but raises the cost of doing business for smaller platforms. It also reassures users by imposing more accountability on providers.
Costa Rica joined the wave with a new bill to regulate crypto exchanges. Recently approved for debate in the Legislative Assembly, the bill seeks to provide legal certainty, improve consumer protection, and help the country take part in the global crypto economy. Together, these moves in Latin America show a region moving from informal use to structured participation in the digital asset world.
Stablecoins and RWAs in Dubai
Dubai remains a popular destination for crypto businesses, and it has introduced clearer boundaries for certain crypto assets this year. In February 2025, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) approved Circle’s stablecoins USDC and EURC for use inside the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This marked the first time specific stablecoins received full approval in this business zone, showing how Dubai is formalizing stablecoin use while keeping the market open.
For its part, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) also published guidelines for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs), such as property, bonds, or commodities. These guidelines explain how to issue, trade, and report these tokens while aligning with anti-fraud and transparency requirements. The rules are designed to attract institutional investors by offering them a safer and clearer way to enter the digital asset space.
The Crypto Asset Reporting Framework
Taxes are never far behind, and the Crypto Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) shows just how global the push has become. Created by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), made up of 38 countries, CARF requires exchanges and custodial wallet providers to share information about user transactions with tax authorities, much like banks do for traditional accounts.
By 2028, 67 jurisdictions —including a good part of Europe, North America, and some countries in Asia and South America— have pledged to implement CARF. This makes it harder to hide crypto gains from local tax authorities and signals a shift toward greater transparency in the sector.
The first drafts of these rules are already being prepared, and businesses have begun adjusting their systems to meet the reporting requirements. Whether viewed as overdue or intrusive, CARF represents a significant change in how governments track and tax digital wealth.
Rules for Decentralized Platforms
One area where regulators still seem unsure is decentralized platforms. By design, these platforms have no central authority or office, which makes them difficult to regulate. In the United States, the SEC signaled plans to adopt a more flexible approach to decentralized finance after years of scrutiny, while in Europe, that discussion may not begin in earnest until 2026.
Platforms like Obyte, which is fully decentralized, have not faced regulation so far. To help users prepare, Obyte offers programmable tokens that can be designed to comply with regulations, and smart contracts that include human arbitration, with professional arbiters available through the ArbStore. This allows users, especially businesses, to operate under a regulated structure if needed, while keeping the platform itself decentralized.
For now, decentralized platforms remain a step ahead of regulators, but builders and users can already take steps to be ready when the rules arrive. These new laws show a growing agreement that crypto needs boundaries but also room to grow. For users, the challenge will be to adapt and stay informed while still enjoying the freedom that drew them here in the first place.
Featured Vector Image by Freepik
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