ETF approvals, regulatory stablecoins, Fed momentum, and altcoin strength all made headlines this week as crypto enters a new phase of maturity.
This week in crypto: SEC listing rules speed up, Tether launches USAT stablecoin, Bitcoin jumps on Fed cut, and BNB hits new ATH
19th September
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SEC listing rules set faster path for spot crypto ETFs
The SEC has approved new generic listing standards for spot crypto ETFs. These changes allow major exchanges such as NYSE, Nasdaq, and Cboe to list spot crypto and other commodity ETFs under streamlined rules rather than case‑by‑case approvals. The prior approval process could take many months. Now, qualifying ETFs may be approved in as few as 75 days.
These updated rules broaden the list of assets that can be included. Solana and XRP are now possible candidates under the new standards. That means more digital assets than Bitcoin and Ethereum may receive ETF exposure in U.S. markets. Industry representatives expect several new products to be filed soon.
Market reactions have been positive. Share prices of ETF issuers and exchanges are rising. Investors see regulatory clarity at long last. Those who had applications pending under the old system may benefit the most.
Some details remain to work through. The generic listing rules require that underlying assets meet certain conditions such as trading on surveillance‑sharing markets or being present in futures markets for at least six months. Legal and operational compliance will still be essential.
Tether unveils USAT stablecoin to comply with new rules
Tether has announced a new U.S.‑based stablecoin called USAT for use within U.S. jurisdictions. The company intends USAT to comply with the recently passed GENIUS Act. Anchorage Digital Bank will be the issuer under its national trust bank charter. Bo Hines, who previously advised on U.S. digital asset policy, will lead the initiative.
USAT aims to offer a framework that avoids regulatory friction. The new token will be fully compliant with reserve backing rules, oversight requirements, and transparency obligations as defined by U.S. law. Tether has emphasised that USAT will not provide yield initially to maintain simplicity and regulatory alignment.
This move positions Tether to compete more directly with other regulated stablecoins, such as USDC. USDT will continue functioning globally, but USAT is clearly intended to serve a U.S. market that increasingly demands compliance and legal certainty.
Investors have reacted with interest. The stablecoin market is sensitive to regulatory changes. A U.S.‑regulated stablecoin from Tether could attract institutional users that were previously cautious due to legal uncertainty. Performance will depend on how well USAT builds trust via reserve audits and clarity.
Bitcoin rallies to $117,000 after Fed rate cut
Bitcoin rose to around $117,000 following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points. Markets responded positively. The cut is seen as easing financial conditions for risk assets. Bitcoin’s move came despite expectations of volatility.
The rise in price was accompanied by broader optimism. Some traders suggested that with the Fed signalling further cuts may follow, risk appetite may increase. Inflation data and dollar weakness added to the tailwinds. Analysts note that Bitcoin is benefiting from a combination of macro encouragement and technical support.
Still, there is caution. Some market watchers warn that economic data could disappoint or inflation could prove sticky. That may lead to reversals. Short‑term resistance appears around $118,000, and holding support will be important.
Despite risks, many see this as a meaningful moment for Bitcoin. After several months of sideways movement, this rally reinforces the idea that Bitcoin is viewed not only as speculative but as a hedge against tightening money and inflation. It may also attract fresh institutional capital.
BNB reaches new all‑time high as altcoins shine
BNB has surged to a new all‑time high, reaching $1,004 briefly before pulling back slightly. This marks a milestone for the coin and lifts it back among the top five by market cap. The jump follows the change in SEC listing rules and the Fed rate cut, both of which have boosted investor sentiment around altcoins.
Alongside BNB’s surge, other altcoins rose strongly. Solana and Cardano saw 5‑plus per cent gains. XRP and other smaller tokens also posted gains. The altcoin market is showing strength not always seen during periods when Bitcoin leads the narrative.
Analysts believe that BNB may benefit from network developments and use case growth. BNB is used in transaction fees within Binance’s ecosystem, and demand from DeFi and NFT activity continues to put pressure on supply. If momentum continues, BNB could test higher resistance levels.
Investors should be aware that surges to ATH tend to be followed by profit-taking. BNB’s volatility may rise. How well BNB holds gains and manages pullbacks will determine if this move is sustainable. Meanwhile, this peak adds to the narrative that altcoins may lead the next phase of growth.
This week in crypto: At a glance
This week’s crypto headlines offered both regulatory breakthroughs and strong price action. The SEC’s new listing rules make it simpler to approve spot crypto ETFs and open paths for coins such as Solana and XRP.
Tether’s announcement of USAT shows it is adapting to regulation and aiming for a compliant stablecoin presence in the US market. Bitcoin’s rally to around $117,000 after the Fed cut paints a picture of renewed macro support for crypto.
BNB’s new all‑time high underscores that altcoins are capable of capturing investor enthusiasm when conditions align. All in all, crypto seems to be entering a phase where clarity, compliance and mixed asset strength are defining the narrative.
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