As subscribers to this newsletter are aware, Congress has been debating market structure legislation for several months, but discussions on crypto policy encompass a wide range of issues, including taxes, decentralized finance regulations, the upcoming midterm election, and state-level developments. CoinDesk's Consensus Miami conference will delve into each of these topics in detail. This newsletter examines the intersection of cryptocurrency and government, and you can sign up for future editions here. Recent conversations have highlighted significant policy changes in the digital asset space.
Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the first major crypto-specific legislation, and regulators have since shifted their approach to enforcement actions. Congress has been debating the finer points of issues like stablecoin yield treatment. In essence, cryptocurrency has become a mainstream player.
Although the industry experienced a surge in 2024, with bitcoin's price soaring and legislation seeming imminent, the current year has seen stagnant crypto prices and time running out for Congress to pass market structure legislation. However, regulators have begun proposing rules for stablecoin companies, lawmakers are considering reforms to U.S. crypto tax policy, and the industry has solidified its position.
The industry is still seeking tax reform, including a de minimis exemption for crypto transactions, and is looking ahead to the November elections. Consensus Miami will bring together leading lawmakers, regulators, and industry experts to discuss these topics. The conference will feature speakers like Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Ashley Moody, CFTC Chairman Mike Selig, and White House crypto point man Patrick Witt. We will also host a meetup to discuss the election and policy landscape.
The Policy & Regulation Summit will explore key issues, including decentralized finance compliance with anti-money laundering rules, taxes in the 1099-DA era, and state approaches to the sector. Sessions will focus on the 2026 midterm election, including the crypto industry's engagement and expectations for the new Congress.
The summit will conclude with a debate on prediction markets, featuring experts like SEC Crypto Task Force chief Taylor Lindman and National Futures Association's Lucy Hynes.