The relationship between government and crypto has always been turbulent. This stems from its origins, where blockchain represented a decentralized, somewhat rebellious alternative to traditional finance — an ethos that put it at odds with regulators.
Over the years, the U.S. government’s approach to crypto has varied, swinging from wary tolerance to crackdowns, particularly under the Biden administration, with SEC Chair Gary Gensler emerging as a central figure in the battle over crypto’s future.
However, with Donald Trump now poised to re-enter the White House, the stage is set for yet another dramatic shift. For an industry defined by its ability to adapt, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge.
Gensler, who announced he will leave office on January 20th as Trump is sworn in, has become a symbol of what many in the crypto world view as an overly aggressive regulatory regime. His tenure, marked by a strategy of enforcement over collaboration, has frustrated innovators who sought clearer guidance for years.
One of Gensler’s most contentious moves was the introduction of SAB 121, which required banks to treat digital assets as liabilities, effectively discouraging them from entering the crypto space. Critics, including Congressman Mike Flood, have argued that this rule stifled innovation and created unnecessary barriers to progress.
Flood remarked, “I look forward to working with the next SEC Chair to rollback SAB 121.” He also noted that Gensler’s departure offers “an incredible opportunity for the new administration to turn the page on the Gensler era.”
But while Trump’s second term holds the possibility of significant changes to how the U.S. engages with digital assets, his first presidency saw him as a vocal critic, framing crypto as a tool for crime and economic instability. Still, his stance has evolved in recent years, likely influenced by the growing power of the crypto community.
At a Bitcoin conference earlier this year, Trump pledged to overhaul the regulatory landscape, casting himself as a pro-innovation leader who would prioritize economic growth and technological advancement. The pivot suggests that Trump recognizes the potential for crypto to become a cornerstone of America’s financial future, even as it raises questions about how his administration might reconcile ambition with the need for oversight.
This shift in Trump’s outlook mirrors broader trends in Washington, where attitudes toward cryptocurrency are becoming more nuanced. Bipartisan support for clearer regulations has been growing, with the House’s passage of a digital asset framework marking a key milestone. Although the Senate stalled the measure, the framework’s success in the House reflects a growing consensus that the U.S. needs a coherent approach to regulating digital assets.
While the future of crypto regulation remains uncertain, the departure of Gensler and the rise of new voices in Washington create a moment of opportunity for platforms that are ready to innovate. One example is VCNT, which offers a glimpse into what the industry could achieve under a more favorable regulatory environment.
Comprising ViciCoin, a utility token, and ViciSwap, a multi-coin swap platform integrated with Zoom, Discord, and Uniswap, VCNT exemplifies the creative potential of blockchain. ViciCoin provides users access to exclusive services, content, and live events, while ViciSwap’s ability to facilitate multi-coin exchanges represents a significant advancement in a market traditionally limited to 1:1 swaps, empowering users to diversify or consolidate their assets quickly.
And VCNT’s emergence is perfectly timed. Since the 2024 election, the crypto market has surged by $1.5 trillion, underscoring a growing integration into mainstream finance. The platform’s founders, who previously developed Oracle’s bank security products (Adaptive Access Manager) right before the government stepped in to require all USA banks upgrade security, are leveraging their deep expertise to position VCNT as a frontrunner in the next wave of blockchain innovation. The key will be aligning advancements with regulatory expectations.
As Trump prepares to take office and Gensler exits the stage, the crypto world finds itself at a crossroads. The industry is poised to benefit from a more business-friendly regulatory environment, but it also faces the challenge of navigating an administration with its own agenda and priorities. For advocates of crypto, this moment is both a turning point and a test — a chance to define their role in shaping the future of finance.
Greg Grzesiak is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Columnist at Grit Daily. As CEO of Grzesiak Growth LLC, Greg dedicates his time to helping CEOs influencers and entrepreneurs make the appearances that will grow their following in their reach globally. Over the years he has built strong partnerships with high profile educators and influencers in Youtube and traditional finance space. Greg is a University of Florida graduate with years of experience in marketing and journalism.
