Published: August 2, 2025
By: Unchained
U.S. Unveils Sweeping Crypto Regulation Blueprint
In a long-anticipated move, the White House has released a 166-page crypto policy report—a regulatory manifesto that may reshape the digital asset landscape in the U.S.
Commissioned by President Donald Trump’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, the report dives into:
- Market structure
- Stablecoins
- Tax policy
- Regulatory clarity
The report urges the SEC and CFTC to cooperate and streamline rules on:
- Custody
- Registration
- Trading
- Record-keeping
A major highlight is the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), which would require U.S. taxpayers to declare crypto assets held offshore. This aims to curb tax evasion and discourage shifting assets to less-regulated jurisdictions.
And in a headline-making twist: the White House signals support for a U.S. Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, though no details were given on what this would look like.
“A powerful commitment to make the US the world’s Crypto Capital.”
— Faryar Shirzad, Coinbase Chief Policy Officer
Bitcoin Investors Sit on Record $1.4 Trillion in Unrealized Profits
According to Glassnode, Bitcoin holders are enjoying a record-breaking $1.4 trillion in unrealized gains as of late July 2025.
Despite a recent 80,000 BTC sell-off (~$9.6 billion), most investors continue to HODL, reflecting strong market confidence.
Bitcoin briefly dipped to $115,800 before rebounding above $118,000 after the Fed held rates steady at 4.25–4.50%.
This comes amid muted selling pressure and steady institutional interest, reinforcing BTC’s place as the digital gold of the decade.
What Should Vanuatu Ask About Its Own Crypto Future?
As the United States rolls out its most comprehensive digital asset policy to date — including bold ideas like a national Bitcoin reserve and stricter offshore tax rules — it raises urgent questions for smaller nations like Vanuatu.
While we may not have Wall Street or Silicon Valley, we do have what matters most: a rising generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders who care about the future of our economy and sovereignty.
So what does this global shift in crypto policy mean for us? More importantly:
How can we make sure Vanuatu doesn’t get left behind or taken advantage of — but instead builds a digital economy that works for ni-Vanuatu?
Here are five critical questions we should be asking — along with answers grounded in our reality:
Q1: How can we regulate crypto to prevent exploitation, while still encouraging innovation and local ownership?
Answer:
Vanuatu should create a simple, protective regulatory framework that requires all crypto exchanges and fintech apps operating locally to register and report. At the same time, the government can encourage local businesses and developers to explore crypto solutions that align with our needs — like faster remittances or digital village savings groups. Regulation should ensure ni-Vanuatu have priority in ownership, not just act as users or workers in a foreign-run system.
Q2: Should Vanuatu consider a national strategy for digital assets — including local exchanges, taxation, or even reserves like Bitcoin?
Answer:
Yes. Like the U.S., Vanuatu can benefit from having a national digital asset strategy. This could include:
- Licensing and supervising local crypto exchanges
- Taxing profits fairly to contribute to public funds
- Exploring Bitcoin or stablecoin reserves as a hedge against currency shocks
- Creating education programs to prevent scams and misuse
Vanuatu doesn’t need to copy large economies, but it can design a unique Pacific Island model — focused on resilience and people-first finance.
Q3: What risks does offshore crypto trading pose to Vanuatu’s economy and tax base?
Answer:
If ni-Vanuatu use offshore platforms to invest or trade crypto, profits can leave the country untaxed and untracked. This creates a risk of:
- Losing potential revenue
- Enabling illicit transfers
- Creating a shadow economy disconnected from local growth
To counter this, Vanuatu can follow the U.S. example and require foreign-held crypto to be disclosed — especially by high-income earners, businesses, and elected officials.
Q4: Could Vanuatu lead the Pacific in creating a community-driven, culturally grounded crypto framework?
Answer:
Absolutely. Vanuatu is already respected in regional discussions on climate and development — it can take the lead in creating a Pacific Digital Asset Charter. This could focus on:
- Protecting local cultures from exploitation
- Encouraging community-run fintech (like digital cooperatives)
- Promoting data sovereignty
- Sharing policy resources with other small island states
Leadership here doesn’t mean being first — it means being wise, bold, and inclusive.
Q5: How do we ensure ni-Vanuatu people—not just foreign platforms—benefit from this growing market?
Answer:
The key is to invest in local capacity. Vanuatu must:
- Train young developers, legal minds, and regulators in blockchain and finance
- Support ni-Vanuatu-owned platforms
- Provide access to infrastructure (internet, devices, connectivity)
- Partner with schools, banks, and churches to build awareness and skills
Crypto should not just be something that happens to Vanuatu — it should be something built by and for ni-Vanuatu.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. The views expressed are based on current developments and public reports and are intended to spark discussion around policy and innovation in Vanuatu. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities before making decisions related to digital assets or regulatory compliance.
Mattdotvu 
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