In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), signaling a move toward a more lenient regulatory approach to digital assets. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “The Department of Justice is not a digital assets regulator,” emphasising the administration’s intent to reduce regulatory burdens on the cryptocurrency industry.
This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to position the United States as a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation. The administration aims to foster economic development by minimising what it perceives as overreach in regulatory enforcement. Blanche criticised previous approaches as “reckless” and “poorly executed,” indicating a departure from the prior administration’s tactics.
While the DOJ will cease prosecuting crypto exchanges and services for regulatory infractions, it will maintain a focus on prosecuting individuals and entities directly involved in fraudulent activities or the use of digital assets for crimes such as terrorism financing and human trafficking. This refined focus aims to balance industry growth with the prevention of illicit activities.
The cryptocurrency community has largely welcomed this move, viewing it as a step toward clearer and more supportive regulatory frameworks. Advocates believe that reducing punitive measures against developers and intermediaries will encourage innovation and solidify the U.S. as a leader in the digital asset space.
As the DOJ recalibrates its approach, the crypto industry anticipates further policy adjustments that will support the integration of digital assets into the broader financial system. This development marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between regulators and the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector.
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