Cryptocurrency: Selected Policy Issues

The Biden Administration issued an Executive Order on ensuring the responsible development of digital assets acknowledging various policy implications, with the stated objectives of protecting consumers, ensuring American and global financial stability, preventing illicit financial activity, and promoting access to affordable financial resources.

This report provides an overview of cryptocurrency, including the technology behind it. It examines the different ways users can participate in the market and summarizes some of the key assets that make up the market. Finally, it examines policy issues, including, among others, how the existing regulatory frameworks treat cryptocurrencies and their various functions.