The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly reconsidering its push to require cryptocurrency firms to register as exchanges, signaling a potential shift in the agency’s regulatory approach to the digital asset industry.

The move comes after years of legal battles and industry pushback against the SEC’s stance on crypto trading platforms. The commission has long argued that many crypto firms operate as unregistered securities exchanges, violating federal laws. However, enforcement efforts have faced resistance from both the industry and the courts, prompting a reassessment of the policy.

Critics within the crypto sector have argued that the SEC’s registration framework is not suited for decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and other blockchain-based businesses. They contend that applying traditional exchange regulations to crypto firms stifles innovation and drives businesses offshore.

If the SEC formally abandons its push for mandatory exchange registration, it could mark a significant regulatory shift, potentially opening the door for new crypto-friendly policies. While the commission has not made a final decision, the reconsideration suggests an evolving stance amid growing pressure for clearer and more practical regulations.

The potential reversal comes as the U.S. government faces increasing calls to provide a balanced regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring investor protection. Any policy changes by the SEC will be closely watched by industry participants, lawmakers, and global regulators looking to align their approaches to the rapidly evolving crypto market.

A senior European Union official has expressed concerns that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s support for cryptocurrencies could threaten Europe’s monetary sovereignty. The warning comes as Trump’s increasingly pro-crypto rhetoric gains traction among digital asset advocates in the United States.

The EU official cautioned that if the U.S. under a potential Trump administration fully embraces cryptocurrencies, it could weaken the influence of central banks and disrupt Europe’s ability to regulate its own financial system. The concern primarily stems from the potential rise of decentralized digital assets that operate outside traditional monetary frameworks, reducing the effectiveness of EU financial policies.

Trump has previously criticized regulatory crackdowns on cryptocurrencies and has signaled a more favorable stance toward the industry, contrasting with the Biden administration’s stricter regulatory approach. This shift has raised alarms among European policymakers, who fear that an unregulated crypto surge in the U.S. could spill over into global markets, challenging the euro’s stability and the EU’s financial oversight.

European regulators have been working on comprehensive crypto regulations, such as the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, aimed at ensuring oversight and stability in digital asset markets. However, the EU official suggested that a policy divergence between the U.S. and Europe could create regulatory gaps, making it harder for European authorities to maintain control over cross-border digital transactions.

As global financial institutions continue to assess the evolving regulatory landscape, Europe remains cautious about the potential risks associated with a more crypto-friendly U.S. policy, especially if led by a Trump administration.

Coinbase has launched round-the-clock trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) perpetual futures in the United States, marking a significant expansion of its derivatives offerings. The move aims to provide U.S. traders with more flexibility in managing market volatility while reinforcing Coinbase’s position as a leader in regulated crypto derivatives.

The new perpetual futures contracts will be available on Coinbase’s derivatives exchange, catering to institutional and professional traders seeking leveraged exposure to BTC and ETH. Unlike traditional futures, perpetual contracts do not have an expiration date, allowing for continuous trading with funding rate adjustments.

Coinbase has emphasized that its perpetual futures are designed to meet regulatory standards, ensuring compliance with U.S. financial guidelines. The company has been actively working with regulators to expand its derivatives offerings, positioning itself as a trusted exchange amid increasing scrutiny of the crypto industry.

The launch comes at a time of growing demand for crypto derivatives, with perpetual futures accounting for a significant portion of global trading volumes. By offering these contracts in a compliant and regulated environment, Coinbase aims to attract both institutional and retail traders looking for advanced trading instruments.

As the crypto market matures, Coinbase’s move into perpetual futures further cements its role in shaping the U.S. digital asset landscape, providing traders with enhanced tools to navigate market fluctuations efficiently.