Regulatory roadblocks are crumbling as the U.S. Treasury signals a sweeping pivot toward blockchain, stablecoins, and digital assets

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent laid out a broad financial reform agenda at the Bankers Association Summit on April 9, pledging to remove regulatory barriers

The U.S. Treasury is poised for a sweeping pivot toward blockchain, stablecoins, and digital assets, setting the stage for America’s fintech dominance worldwide.

As the Biden administration sparks a broad financial reform agenda, the Treasury is preparing to remove regulatory roadblocks that have slowed innovation in blockchain, stablecoins, and modern payment technologies, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Speaking at the Bankers Association Summit on April 9, Bessent signaled a shift in priorities from global frameworks to national interests, with a focus on economic growth and capital formation.

“We will take a close look at regulatory impediments to blockchain, stablecoins, and new payment systems,” Bessent said.

“And we will consider reforms to unleash awesome power of the American capital market.”

He added that his remarks suggest that this shift could help level the playing field between banks and nonbank financial innovators, a move that would give rise to broader adoption of technologies like digital assets and tokenized payment networks.

“We will review capital rules that currently disincentivize investment in innovation. And we will modernize anti-money laundering and compliance rules so that financial institutions can focus on national security priorities and high-risk areas.”

Bessent’s comments come as the administration pushes for reforms to help small-town lenders and consumers, according to the Treasury Secretary.

“Americans deserve a financial services industry that works for all Americans. They deserve credit unions and community banks to serve the needs of their communities,” said Bessent.

“And they deserve a financial services industry that is focused on serving the national interest not foreign powers.”

His remarks position the Treasury to potentially spearhead new regulatory frameworks aimed at fostering both financial safety and cutting-edge innovation.

President Donald Trump has strengthened his pro-cryptocurrency position by ordering the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, using roughly 200,000 BTC seized in legal cases to support national economic interests.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team, indicating a shift from enforcement to industry support. The moves reflect the administration’s aim to make the U.S. a global crypto leader.