As Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, the cryptocurrency industry is buzzing with expectations regarding his potential policies. Reports suggest that he may issue several crypto-related executive orders on his first day, potentially leading to a spike in Bitcoin prices. Experts from the College of Computing — associate professor Vassilis Zikas and Ph. D. student Agam Shah — discuss the implications for the blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape. **A New Era for Blockchain Technology** Zikas emphasizes the key differences between blockchain technology and traditional financial systems. Unlike banks, which use centralized private ledgers, blockchain operates on decentralized ledgers that enhance transparency and accountability but raise privacy concerns. He underscores blockchain’s ability to transform international financial transactions, stating that transferring Bitcoin across borders is as seamless as domestic transfers, a stark contrast to the delays often faced in traditional banking. While Trump’s previous administration took a cautious yet supportive stance towards crypto regulation and blockchain research, the Biden administration’s approach has created uncertainty, pushing crypto entrepreneurs away from the U. S. **Building a Regulatory Framework** Agam Shah stresses the need for clear regulations to boost crypto adoption and protect investors. A structured regulatory framework could reduce risks and encourage institutional participation. He points out that unregulated practices, like wash trading, have harmed public trust, highlighted by failures such as the FTX exchange.

Shah believes that Trump’s pro-crypto sentiment could lead to comprehensive policies that promote innovation while safeguarding investors. Technological advancements in blockchain, such as fraud detection tools, will also be critical for maintaining market integrity, according to Shah. **Navigating Challenges and Opportunities** Despite the optimism, both Zikas and Shah urge caution. Zikas notes that awareness of the technology's limitations is crucial for users and policymakers. While blockchain offers privacy benefits, it is not immune to identity revelation techniques, and complete anonymity could facilitate illicit activities. Shah highlights the need to balance innovation and market stability, especially with the upcoming Basel III capital standards set to be implemented by 2025. Looking forward, both experts agree that actionable policies are vital for establishing the U. S. as a leader in blockchain technology. As Trump’s administration seeks to position the U. S. as a crypto powerhouse, the upcoming months will be critical for shaping the future of digital assets and blockchain development. By fostering transparency and security alongside regulatory clarity and technological advancement, the U. S. could enhance its standing in the global crypto economy.