Crypto goes mainstream: ‘GENIUS’ bill hailed a ‘wake-up call’ for UK investors

THE US has taken a historic step toward bringing crypto into the financial mainstream, and UK investors are being told to sit up and take notice.

In a landmark move dubbed “groundbreaking” by traders, Congress has just passed the country’s first standalone crypto legislation – the GENIUS Bill, with a strong 308-122 majority.

The bill, which stands for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoin, now awaits sign-off from pro-crypto President Trump, possibly as soon as today.

The bill sets out a regulatory framework for so-called payment stablecoins – digital currencies pegged to a fixed value, such as the US dollar – and is being seen as the moment crypto officially stepped out of the shadows and into the core of global finance.

Bitcoin surged past $120,000 on the news, as analysts described the bill as a “credibility move” that could help unlock trillions in liquidity and prompt nations worldwide to follow suit.

Pete Mugleston, Managing Director at OnlineMortgageAdvisor.co.uk, said the move confirms that crypto is no longer just for “the tech-savvy or tin-hat evangelists” and signals a mainstream breakthrough for digital currencies.

He said: “Bitcoin isn't a fad, and it’s not a movement; it’s the standard we should have always had – proper, perfect, uncontaminated money.

"Freedom and access to information online have levelled up the awareness of the average person, and they are fed up with low-interest savings, market manipulation and inflation eroding their hard-earned value. Bitcoin represents their disdain.”

Mugleston added that after a period of more stable prices and greater institutional buy-in, the crypto market is becoming harder to ignore. He said the GENIUS Bill is just “the next step in its inevitable progress as the world wakes up”.

Chris Barry, Director at Thomas Legal, said the legislation is a major win for stablecoins and could revolutionise the financial system: “The financial system is extremely outdated and inefficient. It also leaves clients vulnerable to fraud and attacks.

"Blockchain technology will revolutionise finance by offering payments that are cheaper, easier, and safer.

"The GENIUS Bill is genius for the US because it will give stablecoins the regulatory approval they need to be used by the traditional financial world, which will open liquidity into the trillions.”

Barry added that stablecoins backed 1:1 by the Dollar could allow anyone with a smartphone to send money globally at low cost, while shielding users from wild price swings.

“It offers consumers and businesses the opportunity to transact and transfer money much more cost-efficiently and faster,” he said.

The impact may also stretch into the bond markets. David Belle, Founder and Trader at Fink Money, believes the bill could boost demand for US debt, a potentially huge knock-on effect for interest rates.

He said: “This is groundbreaking in terms of advancement, and it means other nations will likely follow.

"Where it is most interesting, though, is the extent to which it could lead to US debt being bought more, which is great for interest rates.”

Belle explained that stablecoins need to be “pegged”, often via purchases of US treasuries by private custodians. That demand could further fuel inflows into major players like Tether, a crypto giant whose own treasuries are handled by broker Cantor Fitzgerald.

Gareth Hazelden, Director at Atlantic Capital Markets, said this “landmark moment” brings long-overdue clarity to crypto regulation and poses a direct challenge to the UK to keep pace.

“For UK investors and firms, this is a wake-up call. The US is moving fast to institutionalise digital assets, and the UK must ensure it stays competitive.

"This is a credibility move. Stablecoins now have a clear legal pathway, which stabilises the entire crypto market and, for retail investors, it’s a turning point and generates more trust.”

Hazelden also warned that if the bill is signed into law, it could create fresh demand for government debt, reshape yield curves, and lower the barriers for banks and fintechs to enter the stablecoin space.

Even those previously sceptical are beginning to rethink.

Kate Allen, Owner at Finest Stays, said she regretted missing earlier waves of crypto success, but now sees the tide turning.

“Gutted to have missed this and the many early waves of crypto success. I’ve always felt that its unpredictability as a currency held it back.

"But with this kind of clarity and positive affirmation now coming through, it’s time to reconsider both my investments and the payment options we offer our customers. Crypto is no longer a fringe bet, it’s edging into the financial mainstream.”

With the US taking bold steps to embrace digital currencies, the pressure is now on UK regulators and institutions to respond – or risk being left behind in crypto’s global charge.