2026-01-04 17:21:19

Entering the second half of 2025, the global crypto scene has experienced noticeable changes — the attitude of US regulators is shifting.

The SEC is no longer the adversarial role it once was. They have begun approving crypto asset-related ETFs, revoked several cases against well-known crypto companies, and are pushing forward with updates to the digital asset regulatory framework. A detail worth noting: the departure of Cicely LaMothe, Deputy Director of the SEC’s Corporate Finance Division, who previously clarified that Meme coins are not securities and explained the SEC’s stance on staking services, has retired. Many see this personnel change as a signal — a sign that policy directions are adjusting.

More importantly, discussions around the US “Digital Asset Market Clarity Act” have entered a critical stage. If this bill passes, policy uncertainty will significantly decrease, and banks and asset management firms will be more proactive in entering the crypto market. Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters has even called for hearings on SEC Chairman Paul Atkins’ actions in the crypto space, indicating that the debate has shifted from “whether to regulate” to “how to regulate reasonably.”

What is the direct result of this shift? Capital is flowing in. In the first half of 2025, net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs surpassed $20 billion. Major Wall Street players like BlackRock and Fidelity are fully participating, causing the total ETF market size to soar to $50 billion. Deep involvement from traditional financial institutions, which was hard to imagine a few years ago.

However, this "friendliness" is also changing Bitcoin’s market role and ecological positioning — new participants, new demand scenarios, everything is being reshaped.

BTC-1,37%

View Original

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.

12 Likes

Reward
12
10
Repost
Share

Comment

0/400

OnchainSniper

· 01-07 17:10

Turning? Ha, I think it's just being forced to bow, Wall Street is scared stiff as soon as the SEC arrives. Just wait and see, once the bill passes and institutions flood in, will BTC still be BTC? A 20 billion inflow sounds great, but don’t forget, this is a double-edged sword, brother. Financialized Bitcoin has already lost something. Brother Atkins is obviously more reliable than those guys before. But if you ask me, the real change isn’t regulatory friendliness, it’s just them trying to grab chips from our hands. Once the bill passes, retail investors should be cautious, big fish are coming to eat.

View OriginalReply0

Blockblind

· 01-06 19:58

Finally, the moment has arrived, and the SEC's turnaround speed is so fast that it raises suspicion. BlackRock's entry really changed everything, but it also altered the original flavor of Bitcoin. If this bill passes, will retail investors still have a chance? Regulatory friendliness comes at a cost. Is this deal worth it? With $20 billion entering the market, it feels like a bubble is being inflated. American politicians have finally figured out how to coexist with crypto. That official who resigned left on a good note; a new era has begun. The influx of funds is a good thing, but it's uncomfortable to see power concentrated in Wall Street's hands. Atkins is becoming more and more established in the crypto circle. The entire ecosystem is being "rationalized," which basically means it’s being domesticated.

View OriginalReply0

ForkInTheRoad

· 01-06 00:36

Finally waited for this day, the SEC's sudden shift feels like the entire game is being rewritten. BlackRock rushing in, is Bitcoin about to become just another item in pension funds? I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Cicely LaMothe's retirement seems simple on the surface, but the signals are all pointing to a major change... policy directions are shifting extremely quickly. $20 billion in net inflows—honestly, that's a bit scary. Is this a real mechanism change or just the prelude to another round of chopping up the retail investors? Wall Street's full-scale involvement also seems to be diluting Bitcoin's original vibe. Can we still call it "punk spirit," everyone?

View OriginalReply0

AirdropF5Bro

· 01-05 07:38

Whoa, is the SEC really switching sides? Doesn't seem like it, why are they suddenly cooperating so much? BlackRock's entry is outrageous; now Bitcoin is truly tamed by Wall Street. Meme coins being clarified as not securities shows they are really changing their tune... but I still don't believe it. 200 billion in net inflows? That number is a bit scary; could it be a sign of a bubble? Feeling that regulatory friendliness is actually a bit terrifying; the centralized vibe is getting stronger and stronger. That official's resignation... forget it, let's wait and see, maybe it's just a new trick to harvest retail investors. Is Atkins really reliable? Why is there even a hearing? This game is getting interesting. What does the influx of asset management institutions mean? Ordinary people's opportunities are getting fewer and fewer. ETF size surpassing 50 billion feels like a signal that traditional finance is about to harvest again... If the bill passes, the crypto ecosystem will be completely transformed. Not sure if it's good or bad.

View OriginalReply0

Ser_APY_2000

· 01-04 17:51

SEC really isn't that strict anymore, is it? Is this for real this time? Wait, BlackRock is in too? Then I need to think carefully about what this means. $20 billion inflow... Could this be another prelude for institutions to shake out retail investors? The resignation of LaMothe is deeply suspicious; there must be some tricks involved. If the clear legislation for digital asset markets really passes, the rules of the game will have to change. Will Bitcoin still be Bitcoin if this continues? Feels like it's being domesticated. Whenever Wall Street gets involved, it's never a good sign; history always repeats itself this way. $20 billion a year is still too little; the real flood hasn't even come yet. I just want to know what Atkins really plans to do. Will the hearing reveal any surprises?

View OriginalReply0

ApyWhisperer

· 01-04 17:49

Damn, finally waiting for this day... Is the SEC really changing its tune? BlackRock is in too, Wall Street is smelling the money Speaking of Paul Atkins, he's really a man of character, turning regulation from opposition into collaboration $20 billion into Bitcoin ETF, that's a pretty impressive number... Traditional finance is really getting serious But I'm still a bit worried, after it gets regulated, will it lose that original flavor?

View OriginalReply0

quietly_staking

· 01-04 17:33

It was about time. The SEC bunch finally woke up... This is getting interesting. Going from suppression to embrace so quickly? A bit unaccustomed haha Did 20 billion really flow in? Feels like the market hasn't even reacted yet Atkins' move this time is somewhat impressive, much better than the previous one If the bill passes, then there will truly be no suspense Rebuilding the ecosystem? No way, I just like the current state of anarchy... Maxine Waters suddenly calls for a hearing. What's the new trick? Bank institutions coming in actually makes me a bit worried. Too much power concentrated might not be good Hold on... Is this really a good thing? Or another form of control 500 billion scale sounds appealing, but I still prefer my own solo staking

View OriginalReply0

TideReceder

· 01-04 17:29

Wow, $20 billion in net inflow? This is truly a big move by the elephants, and we'll never go back to the era of retail investors. Personnel changes can reveal policy directions; these details are still noticeable. Wait, if BlackRock and others are coming in, will our original believers' positions become awkward... Anyway, if the Clear Law really passes, this wave is indeed a historical moment. The hearings have already taken place; from confrontation to negotiation, this shift is a bit rapid. Regulation is a double-edged sword; it makes things easier for institutional investors, but small retail investors might be diluted. Anyway, I still favor this direction, although the sense of quality seems to have changed a bit.

View OriginalReply0

ChainDetective

· 01-04 17:28

Blackstone and Fidelity are here, Wall Street is really starting to play for real... But if this continues, is Bitcoin still the same Bitcoin?

View OriginalReply0