In a significant development in the ongoing discussions around cryptocurrency regulation, Senate Democrats have introduced a counterproposal that has effectively halted bipartisan negotiations with Republicans. Experts in the publication emphasize that this proposal aims to impose stricter regulations on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, raising concerns among GOP members.
Democratic Counterproposal on DeFi Protocols
The Democratic counterproposal grants the Treasury Department the authority to establish a restricted list of high-risk DeFi protocols alongside implementing stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for crypto applications. This move is seen as a direct response to the growing concerns over the safety and transparency of digital assets in the financial system.
Backlash from Republican Lawmakers
However, the proposal has faced intense backlash from Republican lawmakers, who argue that it lacks concrete legislative text and a coherent policy framework. They have characterized the Democrats' approach as a bad-faith effort, undermining the potential for a collaborative regulatory environment. This development poses a significant threat to the GOP's ambitions for passing landmark crypto legislation within the current year.
In a recent development, the UK Financial Conduct Authority has lifted its ban on retail crypto Exchange Traded Products, effective October 8, 2025, a move that contrasts with the ongoing regulatory discussions in the US. For more details, see read more.