The crypto landscape is evolving fast — and the United States is finally back in the race to dominate the digital asset frontier. According to Ji Hun Kim, the new CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI), the tide has turned with the White House’s latest crypto report.
> “This is a pivotal moment. The time is now for the US to lead the global crypto race,” says Kim in an exclusive sit-down with Cointelegraph Magazine.
End of the Regulatory Tug-of-War?
The latest report from the Presidential Working Group marks a seismic shift in Washington’s crypto stance. After years of bickering between the SEC and CFTC over who controls what, the White House has finally stepped in — and it’s making waves.
Bitcoin and Ether = Commodities
CFTC to regulate digital commodities
SEC to focus on tokenized securities
> “Bitcoin, Ether, and other digital assets are commodities — not securities. The report says it plainly,” notes Kim.
This shift is more than policy; it's a clear green light for innovation and investment in the U.S.
Welcome Back, Banks
One of the report’s boldest statements? Banks should be able to participate in digital asset activities.
That’s a huge reversal from the “Operation Chokepoint 2.0” era, where crypto firms were debanked en masse, and U.S. innovation fled to friendlier shores like Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
But times are changing. While global hubs are tightening crypto policies, the U.S. is finally leaning into leadership — not running from it.
> “Other jurisdictions are realizing that clarity doesn’t always mean crypto-friendliness,” Kim adds.
Project Crypto & the “Crypto Sprint”
The SEC has launched Project Crypto, a fresh initiative to clarify guidance for token issuers and streamline licensing.
Meanwhile, the CFTC has kicked off a “crypto sprint” to implement the new digital commodity rules.
This unified approach is central to the CLARITY Act, a landmark bill that just passed the House and is heading for Senate debate. It divides responsibilities clearly between the SEC and CFTC — a long-awaited solution to regulatory gridlock.
> “You’ll see increased collaboration now. The days of turf wars are fading,” Kim explains.
Stablecoins and the GENIUS Act
While the world watches China roll out its CBDC, the U.S. is taking a different path. President Trump’s executive order earlier this year banned a U.S. government-issued CBDC, citing privacy risks.
Enter: the GENIUS Act — a pro-innovation bill designed to supercharge private stablecoin development and maintain the dollar’s global dominance in a digitized financial future.
> “With GENIUS, stablecoins have a regulatory framework that encourages innovation,” Kim says.
Critics Call It “Deregulation” — CCI Says Otherwise
Some lawmakers and civil rights groups warn that CLARITY and GENIUS could “legitimize risky businesses.” But Kim pushes back:
> “This is not deregulation. This is intelligent, tailored regulation that protects users and fuels innovation.”
The crypto industry has long asked for clear rules. Now, for the first time, they may be getting them — from both the White House and the country’s top regulators.
What This Means for the Future of Crypto
🔹 U.S. is reopening its doors to digital asset firms
🔹 Clearer classification between securities and commodities
🔹 Banks can reenter the crypto space confidently
🔹 Private stablecoins are getting a regulatory boost
🔹 Global dominance of the dollar remains intact
And most importantly — the U.S. is no longer playing catch-up.
> “This is our chance to shape the global crypto economy — not just react to it,” Kim concludes.
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