Cryptocurrency regulation encompasses the growing body of laws, rules, and enforcement actions governing digital assets. Approaches vary enormously — El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender while China banned all crypto. The EU passed comprehensive MiCA legislation in 2023.
2013
FinCEN issues first US guidance classifying certain crypto businesses as money transmitters
2017
SEC declares many ICOs are unregistered securities
2021
El Salvador adopts Bitcoin as legal tender
2023
EU MiCA regulation passes — first comprehensive crypto framework
2024
US Bitcoin spot ETF approved; SEC softens stance under new leadership
Governing the issuance, trading, and use of cryptocurrency assets
💡 Did You Know
The first US Senate hearing on Bitcoin occurred in 2013 — the price rose from $200 to $1,000 in the days following the hearing
⚠ Controversies & Red Flags
The US approach has been criticised as regulation by enforcement — pursuing cases without clear statutory authority rather than passing clear legislation.