Crypto Law: What Changed in 2025 and What's Next?
Global Regulation Takes Shape
In 2025, the world witnessed significant advancements in the governance of digital currencies.
- EU's MiCA came into full effect.
- US passed landmark laws:
- GENIUS Act
- CLARITY Act
These measures brought much-needed clarity to the regulatory landscape.
The Trump administration further solidified crypto's legitimacy with an executive order, dispelling notions that digital currencies were solely for illicit activities.
Diverging Paths: EU vs. US
The EU continued its strict regulatory approach, expanding rules under the Digital Markets Act.
In contrast, the US adopted a more lenient stance, favoring big tech and avoiding stringent regulations. This approach turned regulation into a competitive tool.
To prevent startups from migrating to the US, the EU even relaxed some AI regulations.
Asia's Regulatory Crackdown
Hong Kong took a firm stance by prosecuting individuals involved in the JPEX scandal, signaling that legal systems are adapting to crypto-related crimes.
Justice Russell Coleman emphasized the importance of fairness and proportionality in regulation, even as technology evolves.
Future Challenges
Taxation
- Hong Kong is already discussing crypto asset reporting.
- Japan may introduce a 20% tax on crypto gains, setting a potential global precedent.
Super Apps & Prediction Markets
New regulations will be needed for super apps that combine trading, AI, and other functions, making oversight complex.
Privacy Concerns
Current laws, like GDPR, are ill-suited for decentralized systems. Clearer rules are needed to balance privacy and regulation.
While privacy tokens are unlikely to be banned, their use will require further guidance.
