Coinbase Celebrates as Trump Signs GENIUS Act: A New Era for Crypto Regulation
On July 18, 2025, President Donald Trump officially signed the GENIUS Act into law, marking a historic milestone for the cryptocurrency industry. The signing ceremony, held at the White House, was attended by key figures in the crypto space, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino. Trump praised the legislation as a transformative step for financial technology, likening its potential impact to the advent of the internet. This development signals a new era of regulatory clarity and growth for digital assets, with Coinbase poised to play a leading role in this evolving landscape.
President Donald Trump Officially Signs The GENIUS Act Into Law: What’s Next for Crypto?
President Donald Trump enacted the GENIUS Act into law on July 18, marking a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency regulation. The signing ceremony at the White House was attended by prominent crypto leaders, including Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Trump hailed the legislation as a potential revolution in financial technology, comparing its impact to the birth of the internet.
The GENIUS Act establishes a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a market now valued at over $264 billion. This clarity is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of blockchain technology. "This could be perhaps the greatest revolution in financial technology since the birth of the internet itself," TRUMP remarked during the signing.
The Act’s passage signals growing political recognition of crypto’s role in modern finance. Its implementation may pressure the SEC to provide further guidance on digital asset securities, potentially unlocking new capital inflows into the sector.
Ethereum ETF Inflows and Fee Drop Signal Strong Q3 Outlook
Ethereum's second-quarter performance showcased robust institutional adoption, with US-traded spot ETFs attracting $1.7 billion in net inflows—a dramatic reversal from prior outflows. Layer-2 throughput ROSE 7% while average fees plummeted 39%, creating ideal conditions for renewed retail participation.
Liquid supply expanded 8% as dormant balances contracted, pushing the percentage of ETH held at profit from 40% to nearly 90%. The derivatives market mirrored this momentum, with perpetual futures turnover jumping 56% to $51.4 billion daily. Open interest remained resilient at $14.5 billion despite broader market volatility.
Coinbase and Glassnode data reveals total value locked reached $63.2 billion, cementing Ethereum's position as the clear leader in smart contract platforms. Options markets echoed the bullish sentiment, with open interest climbing to $5.3 billion alongside an 11% increase in desk activity.
Jack Dorsey’s Block to Join the S&P 500 Index Next Week
Block Inc., the tech company founded by Jack Dorsey, will replace Hess Corp. in the S&P 500 index starting July 23. The move follows Hess's acquisition by Chevron Corp. Block, known for Cash App and its substantial Bitcoin holdings, will join Coinbase Global Inc. in the index, further bridging cryptocurrency with traditional finance.
The company holds 8,585 BTC, purchased at an average price of $30,405, now worth over $1 billion—a 300% unrealized gain. This inclusion signals growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin, bolstered by recent regulatory clarity under the GENIUS Act. Block's stock surged 10% in after-hours trading to $79.49, reflecting investor Optimism about its $43 billion market valuation and crypto-forward strategy.
MSTR and Other Stocks To Watch Amid Newly Passed Digital Currency Bills
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed three pivotal crypto bills—CLARITY, GENIUS, and Anti-CBDC Surveillance State—after a marathon 10-hour voting session. Market attention now turns to crypto-linked stocks like MicroStrategy (MSTR), Circle (CRCL), and Coinbase (COIN), which have shown divergent price movements amid heightened volatility.
The CLARITY Act, approved 294-134 with unexpected bipartisan support, seeks to clarify regulatory jurisdiction over digital assets. Its passage, alongside the GENIUS and Anti-CBDC Acts, signals growing legislative traction for crypto frameworks. MicroStrategy shares remain in focus as the company continues its aggressive bitcoin accumulation strategy, while Coinbase navigates both regulatory tailwinds and market turbulence.
Charles Schwab to Launch Bitcoin and Ethereum Trading, Eyes Stablecoin Rollout
Charles Schwab CEO Rick Wurster announced plans to introduce spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum, positioning the brokerage as a direct competitor to Coinbase. The move, driven by client demand, reflects growing interest in combining digital assets with traditional investments.
Schwab clients currently hold over 20% of all crypto exchange-traded products, totaling roughly $25 billion. "Our clients are invested in crypto today," Wurster noted, emphasizing their preference to consolidate holdings under Schwab's umbrella.
The firm also confirmed stablecoin development plans amid legislative momentum from the GENIUS Act. Schwab's stock reached record highs as Q2 earnings surged 60%, with crypto product acceleration contributing to bullish sentiment.
