US Congress Pushes for Crypto Clarity: Market Structure Bill and AML Reforms Take Center Stage

As October 2025 draws to a close, Capitol Hill is buzzing with renewed efforts to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the burgeoning crypto industry. Key industry leaders have descended upon Washington D.C., engaging in critical meetings with senators to push forward a landmark market structure bill. Concurrently, new legislative proposals, like the STREAMLINE Act, aim to redefine anti-money laundering (AML) reporting thresholds, signaling a pivotal moment for crypto’s integration into the mainstream financial system.

The Persistent Push for a Market Structure Bill

For years, the crypto industry has clamored for clear rules of engagement, arguing that regulatory ambiguity stifles innovation and drives talent offshore. Recent weeks have seen intensified discussions between cryptocurrency executives and bipartisan groups of US senators. While there’s a shared acknowledgment of the need for regulation, significant disagreements persist on key aspects of a proposed market structure bill. Industry representatives stress the importance of distinguishing between different digital asset classes and establishing clear oversight mandates for federal agencies like the SEC and CFTC.

• Key Points of Contention: Defining digital asset securities vs. commodities, custodial requirements, and consumer protection protocols.
• Industry Engagement: Executives from major crypto firms have been actively lobbying, providing technical expertise and advocating for a framework that supports innovation.
• Congressional Division: Bipartisan efforts face hurdles due to differing views on the scope and enforcement mechanisms of potential legislation.

The STREAMLINE Act: Reimagining AML Thresholds

A notable development in this legislative flurry is the proposal of the STREAMLINE Act by a group of US Senators. This act seeks to raise the anti-money laundering (AML) reporting thresholds for both traditional banks and crypto firms. The current thresholds, often criticized as outdated and overly burdensome, require financial institutions to report transactions exceeding relatively low amounts. Proponents argue that increasing these thresholds would reduce administrative overhead for institutions, allowing them to focus resources on genuinely high-risk activities, rather than sifting through countless minor transactions.

• Proposed Changes: Aim to modernize reporting requirements, potentially reducing the sheer volume of suspicious activity reports (SARs) for lower-value transactions.
• Potential Impact: Could ease compliance burdens for financial institutions, including those dealing with digital assets, making crypto services more efficient.
• Balancing Act: Lawmakers must weigh the benefits of reduced compliance costs against the imperative to combat illicit financial flows effectively.

Industry’s Hopes and Hurdles

The crypto industry largely views these legislative endeavors as a cautiously positive step. While the path to a finalized bill is fraught with challenges and compromises, the mere fact of sustained, high-level engagement suggests a growing recognition of crypto’s permanence and potential. Executives are pushing for frameworks that foster technological advancement while safeguarding investors, rather than imposing blanket regulations that could stifle nascent sectors. The remaining “big gaps” in understanding and policy preference underscore the complexity of regulating an industry that often defies traditional financial categories.

Broader Implications for the Crypto Landscape

Should a cohesive market structure bill pass, and AML reforms be enacted, the US crypto landscape could be profoundly reshaped. Clarity could unlock significant institutional capital, encourage more widespread adoption, and cement the US as a leader in digital asset innovation. Conversely, if these efforts stall or result in overly restrictive legislation, the industry may continue to face uncertainty, potentially hindering growth and competitiveness on the global stage. The outcomes of these Capitol Hill discussions will undoubtedly send ripples throughout the global crypto ecosystem.

Conclusion

October 2025 marks a period of intense legislative activity in the United States, with significant implications for the future of cryptocurrencies. From the ongoing struggle to define a comprehensive market structure bill to the specific proposals of the STREAMLINE Act concerning AML thresholds, US lawmakers and industry leaders are grappling with the complex task of integrating digital assets into existing financial paradigms. While progress is slow and obstacles remain, the concerted effort to establish clear rules signals a maturation of the crypto industry and its increasing relevance to the global economy. The coming months will be crucial in determining the shape of crypto regulation for years to come.