?>

7 Crypto-Friendly States in The US

3.5 k views
7 Crypto-Friendly States in The US

The world is replete with cases of governments frustrating crypto usage or adoption. Could you ask anyone about the most crypto-suppressive nations? The chances are that they’ll mention China besides other planned economies. Moreover, the crypto stances of many western governments have yet to be encouraging. Countries like America haven’t cracked down on digital assets. On the contrary, they’ve shown open skepticism for them. However, though they’ve shown support, it has always been half-hearted. It’s driven more by their reluctant acceptance. Not by the enthusiasm arising from the realization of their value.

Despite government resistance, the crypto sector is booming. It’s this realization that’s convinced certain states in the US to take pro-crypto stances. They’ve gone ahead to pass legislation to the benefit of the industry.

Regarding that, this article looks at seven crypto-friendly states in America. Then, it delves into how they’re developing cryptocurrencies and blockchain (BC)technology across the state.

The Crypto-Friendly States in America

The rush to adopt cryptos is gaining steam throughout the US. Unfortunately, it would be impractical to document all and their efforts to promote cryptos. So we will focus on the following seven states. Please note that the list doesn’t suggest their ranking in any way.

California

California is home to tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon. Others are Netflix, Twitter, Uber, Airbnb, Lyft, PayPal, Spotify, and Tesla Motors. Thus it attracts plenty of startups and entrepreneurs working in various industries. One of those is fintech.

The state was one of the first to allow residents and businesses to use virtual currencies. Furthermore, its laws enable people to pay their taxes in digital currency. Additionally, its Department of Financial Services issues guidelines on regulating crypto exchanges.

Also, it’s been one of the first movers of Bitcoin legislation. In May 2017, its legislature introduced Senate Bill 829. It added a crypto provision into Section 10701 of the money transmission laws. But the bill died on the floor without even coming up for discussion at the end of that month.

The California legislature has since introduced Senate Bill 838. It defines virtual currency as any digital representation of value that serves as a medium of exchange. Again it’s a form of digitally stored value. It integrates into payment system technology. The definition is quite comprehensive and covers most in-use cryptocurrencies.

Delaware

Delaware continues to woo companies wishing to incorporate their businesses in the state. It has favorable business policies. Among the firms, it attracts include those that use cryptocurrency as a part of their operations. As a result, Delaware incorporates more than half of the Fortune 500 companies.

In 2017, the state passed distributed ledger technology (DLT) and smart contracts law. The law aimed to encourage fledgling crypto businesses to incorporate their businesses. The new initiative is welcoming DLT businesses. It has also opened the state to use blockchain technologies in government operations. In addition, Delaware has a law allowing companies to use BC for recording stockholder information. The information includes stock votes, stock name changes, and issued shares.

The new legislation also legalized securities registration on DLT platforms. Further, it prohibits any fraudulent or deceptive sale of stock or securities.

Delaware was also one of the first states to pass legislation on ICOs. Its “Token Taxation Act” came into effect last May. The act exempts token issuers from paying income taxes. That said, those tokens shouldn’t qualify as securities under US laws.

Wyoming

The state of Wyoming has taken steps to endear itself to crypto entrepreneurs. First, you don’t need special licenses to operate a crypto-related business. Second, it offers tax breaks to companies using BC technology.

Wyoming also welcomes crypto businesses, but only if they follow certain conditions. For example, companies need to register themselves before starting operations. They must also get a money transmitter license from FinCEN. Finally, they must get approval from the Office of the Commissioner of Securities.

The state was the first to pass laws recognizing BC records as legal evidence. They took effect in March 2018 following Governor Matt Mead’s accent. It also passed a bill providing tax breaks and incentives for businesses in BC. The move was to help boost economic growth. In addition, it seeks to create an environment friendly to developing DLTs and create wide-ranging legislation covering blockchain record keeping. Moreover, it also covers personal data ownership rights and exemption from securities registration.

Arizona

Arizona has created a friendly environment for crypto firms and businesses. It passed a bill recognizing blockchain signatures as legal and valid. Since becoming operational on March 23rd, 2018, it has made electronic records acceptable in court.

It passed another bill that sought to protect crypto investors. The bill prevents investment contracts from imposing third-party promoters with liability for misrepresentation or fraudulent activity. The state’s Crypto Czar sees continuous growth in the industry as a sign that it’s here to stay.

Arizona introduced House Bill 2417 to recognize and regulate the use of BC. The bill became law on April 9th, 2018. The legislation enables licensed entities to issue, provide, or sell digital assets. These include crypto tokens, even when they don’t confer ownership to real-world assets.

Washington DC

Washington, DC, is also enthusiastic about Bitcoin and other Altcoins. There are currently over 100 bills dealing with cryptocurrencies. Many came from congress members, while others came from Wall Street. All told, Capitol Hill considers this space worth watching.

It’s one of the friendliest places for any business, including those involved in cryptocurrencies. So its lawmakers work with other states and federal agencies to improve its attractiveness. That way, they can establish unified supportive policies.

In 2018 the state enacted legislation allowing residents to pay taxes using crypto. In addition, businesses in the state can accept digital assets as payment for goods and services.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is yet another place where lawmakers seem interested in supporting innovative technology. Last July, they introduced a bill allowing residents to use cryptocurrency wallets. They did so without registering with local authorities.

Moreover, the state has also become an important location for blockchain companies. For example, Chainalysis opened its Boston office in 2018. Other notable players operating out of Massachusetts include Blockstream, BitGo, and Coinbase.

Florida

Florida has zeroed in on helping crypto businesses. It has passed two bills to help remove the barriers hindering its growth. The first became operational in April 2018. It recognizes blockchain records as legal evidence. The second came into force in May 2018, making digital signatures accepted.

The two laws will help to cut down on litigation. Here, they’ll streamline the operations of crypto exchanges, ICOs, and other stakeholders. Florida believes that cryptos are here to stay. That’s why it’s investing in the sector.

Other States That Are Crypto-Friendly

Again the above list needs to be more conclusive. Other states are willing to accommodate and encourage cryptocurrency and BC technology growth. These include:

  • South Carolina – its Senate Bill 438 became law in 2017. It acknowledges digital records binding.
  • Montana – has an easy setup for crypto firms. You’ll only need to file an “Application To Operate An Electronic Money Institution.”
  • Colorado – allows residents to trade digital assets without restrictions. It doesn’t tax crypto transactions.
  • New Hampshire – exempts crypto traders from paying capital gains taxes. It has favorable licensing requirements for anyone looking to launch their crypto firm
  • North Dakota – legalized trading in Bitcoin back in 2014. And it has a dedicated department for regulating the crypto market
  • Illinois – recognizes cryptocurrencies as legal payment forms

Author’s Thoughts

The crypto industry is on an upward trend. Today, many accept crypto-assets for payment and investments too. However, despite their growing popularity, they face stiff opposition from governments that are reluctant to adopt them. In the US, for example, the federal government has been skeptical about them.

Bitcoin coin symbol
Btc
Bitcoin
$62.547
price
red chart
decrease symbol0.84959%
price change
TRADE NOW

The US government has been reluctant to support crypto adoption. Even though they haven’t completely banned all applications of cryptocurrencies, there are areas that the officials have restricted. Nonetheless, different states are realizing the value of cryptocurrencies. They’re thus creating enabling environments for their development and growth. Their support could lay the foundation for the eventual mass adoption of cryptos.

Previous

Bitcoin’s Network Records an Incredible Number of Wallet Addresses Generated in 2021

Next

How to Profit When Crypto Prices Hit a Resistance Level

Written by

282 posts

Adam is an outgoing young lad who likes adventures and discovering new things.

VIEW AUTHOR

More author posts

Four Reasons Why National Governments Should Hold Bitcoin in their National Reserves

The dawn of cryptos ushered in what we can term as the next step in the evolution of money. Unlike the tradition of fiat currencies, they offer a financial world that lacks a central authority that controls the money-making process. In addition, transaction costs are comparatively cheaper thanks to its peer-to-peer network system. While the positives are in the open for all to see, cryptos' uptake by governments has been, at best, disheartening. This is because they prefer to stick…

Earliest Cryptocurrencies with DeFi-like Characteristics

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is the center of these crypto transactions. However, DeFi is an innovative niche that many enthusiasts still need to explore fully. Nevertheless, numerous smaller crypto assets with similar characteristics to DeFi tokens already exist. Binance Chain, PancakeSwap, and Uniswap are examples of DeFi platforms that harbor such investments. However, the others operate on their blockchain networks. What are Some DeFi Characteristics DeFi represents an experimental form of finance that does not depend on central intermediaries like banks,…

Which Altcoins Made The News in H1 of 2021

Altcoins are constantly jostling to make a mark in the crypto world. After Bitcoin and Ethereum, the race to be the third cryptocurrency force keeps heating up yearly. Many strong contenders with different use cases promise more than the big two currently offer. As a result, many are making their mark in a big way, for good and not-so-good reasons, as long as they stand out from meme coins that ride the celebrity popularity wave and crash just as fast…

Has El Salvador’s Bitcoin Legal Tender Stance Impacted the Crypto Adoption?

El Salvador is a country in Central America that borders the Pacific Ocean to the north. It also borders Guatemala to the southeast and Honduras to the southwest. It has recently adopted Bitcoin as its legal tender. BTC is now a lawful means of payment in the country. For some time now, many countries have turned their attention to the "future of finance." This act has triggered numerous reactions worldwide. Also, many countries take sides between backing and condemning crypto adoption.  Why…

How Profitable is Crypto Yield Farming?

At its core, Yield farming, also known as liquidity harvesting, involves the art of lending cryptocurrency. It provides more lucrative returns than any other cryptocurrency or conventional investment. It's a chance for the bold and risk-averse digital holders to win big. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering whether to regulate the process. In lending cryptocurrencies, the owner profits when the coin appreciates. Therefore, yield farming is an incentive that stimulates the adoption and growth of cryptocurrencies. Yield farming…

Which CBDC is Likely to Dominate the Global Financial Markets?

In a volatile crypto market, developers found a way to stabilize trade. The solution comes from the invention of stablecoins, which entered the market in 2014. Stablecoins are digital currencies linked to an asset or a currency. Some of the most popular assets include gold and fiat currencies. The promise of CBDC currencies can lead this evolution to the next step. The US Dollar backs the majority of stablecoins circulating the DeFi ecosystem. Therefore, the value fluctuations of digital currency remain at…

Publish your own article

Guest post article. Guaranteed publishing with just a few clicks

START PUBLISHING ADVERTISE WITH US

Browse categories

Explore trending topics in the crypto community right now.

Bitcoin

SEC Greenlights Multiple Bitcoin ETFs, Signaling Major Leap for Cryptocurrency Markets

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made a landmark decision by approving 11 spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move represents a significant moment in the cryptocurrency industry, marking a shift towards greater institutional adoption and accessibility for investors. The approved ETFs include products from major firms such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Bitwise Bitcoin ETP Trust, WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust, VanEck Bitcoin Trust, Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin…

Bitcoin Should be Banned in the United States: Charlie Munger

Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman, Charlie Munger, called for a ban on cryptocurrency in the United States on Monday, similar to the one in China.  In an op-ed published with the Wall Street Journal, Munger argued that Bitcoin isn’t a currency, commodity, or security, but simply a form of gambling “ with a nearly 100% edge for the house. As such, the enactment of a federal law should ban such things from happening. Munger cited the Chinese communist party’s ban on…

Tesla’s BTC Positions Remained Unchanged in Q4 of 2022

According to a new earning report from automotive manufacturer Tesla, the company did not sell any of its BTC holdings in the fourth quarter of 2022. Amid speculations that the company had traded BTC during the testing bears, CEO Elon Musk revealed it was yet holding on to its BTC stash. Tesla Maintains Holdings After Initial Sell-Off In Q2 of 2022, Tesla opted to sell 75% of all its BTC. The car manufacturer received close to $950M in exchange. Notably,…

Here’s When Grayscale Debates the SEC in Court on its Bitcoin Spot ETF

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has marked a date for when Grayscale and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may present oral arguments regarding the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF.  Each side will present its case at 9:30 am ET on March 7, with the SEC arguing against the product, and Grayscale arguing in favor.  Grayscale VS SEC The court date – revealed in a court order filed on Monday according to CNBC – is much earlier…

MORE ARTICLES

Ethereum

Ethereum’s Zhejiang Staking Withdrawal Testnet for Shanghai is Live

At 15:00 UTC on Wednesday, the much-anticipated Zhejiang testnet for staking withdrawal went live on Ethereum’s Beacon chain. Zhejiang will enable the testing of the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 4895 which allows for staking withdrawals. This is in preparation for the network’s next major update, the Shanghai hard fork slated to launch sometime in March. Users Can Make Simulated Withdrawals with Zhejiang In a tweet yesterday, DevOps engineer at Ethereum foundation Barnabas Busa gave details about the Zhejiang testnet slated…

Ethereum Devs Disagree Over Technical Tweak as Shanghai Upgrade Nears

Post-merge Ethereum users have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the network’s next major upgrade, Shanghai. However, after over 3 months of prep time, it appears the Shanghai rollout isn’t going as smoothly as expected. What Exactly is the Shanghai Upgrade? In September last year, the much-publicized Ethereum Merge also known as the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade went live. Ethereum underwent some significant changes as its consensus mechanism transitioned from proof-of-work to a cost-efficient proof-of-stake system.  However, since the Beacon launch…

FTX Hacker Converts 50k Stolen ETH to BTC

Per a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the attacker behind the Nov 11 FTX exploit, is converting the stolen ETH to Bitcoin. There were muted fears the seemingly inexperienced perpetrator could dump all its ETH holdings. On Sunday, the attacker dumped 50k ETH on-chain, with ETH's price dipping by almost 7%.  https://twitter.com/chainalysis/status/1594349583416840199?s=20&t=pgvQHeVytI20eKQ1ls9bxw Hacker Moves 50,000 ETH to New Address Over the past week, the perpetrator had been steadily swapping the cryptocurrencies they had carted off for Ether tokens. This…

Censorship Concerns: 51% of Ethereum Blocks Now OFAC Compliant

According to new data, over half of the blocks on the Ethereum network now reportedly comply with the US Treasury OFAC’s standards. This comes roughly a month after the platform’s monumental merge update. Phasing Out Tornado Cash The Office of Foreign Assets Control is the intelligence and enforcement agency of the US  Treasury Department. Indeed, the OFAC administers and enforces US  financial sanctions. A prime example of this is the recent, highly-publicized ban on crypto mixer Tornado Cash.  According to…

MORE ARTICLES

Trading

How to Leverage Arbitrage Opportunities in Crypto Markets

Cryptocurrency arbitrage has become an increasingly popular investment strategy as the crypto market grows and evolves. Arbitrage involves taking advantage of pricing discrepancies between markets or exchanges to profit.  Investors can leverage profit opportunities by understanding cryptocurrency arbitrage while managing associated risks. In this guide, we'll explore cryptocurrency arbitrage and how it works. A Bitcoin-related example will help us illustrate the concepts of this strategy. What is Arbitrage and How Does it Work in Crypto Markets Crypto arbitrage trading is…

The Different Types of Copy Trading in Crypto

Are you interested in trading cryptocurrencies but feel intimidated by the complexity of the process? Copy trading is a great way to get into crypto without needing to be an experienced trader. With copy trading, investors can benefit from the experience and knowledge of more experienced traders, allowing even beginners to succeed. How does copy trading work, and which tips do you need to know to succeed? In this article, we'll explore all aspects of copy trading in crypto. What…

How to Spot an Unsafe Crypto Exchange

Cryptocurrency exchanges have become increasingly popular as they provide a platform for people to buy and sell digital assets. Unfortunately, not all crypto exchanges are safe or reliable.  With the rise of cybercrime and fraud, you must learn to spot an unsafe crypto exchange before investing your money. This guide will help beginners identify and avoid potential risks when selecting a cryptocurrency exchange.  The Role of Crypto Exchanges on the Digital Assets Market Cryptocurrency exchanges play a crucial role in…

What Is Grid Trading in Crypto?

Crypto grid trading has become a popular strategy because of its ability to help traders capitalize on market volatility. Grid trading means you can produce consistent profits by taking advantage of price differences in different markets or time frames. By establishing buy and sell orders at predetermined intervals, you can take advantage of these fluctuations in an automated way. This guide will explore the different aspects of grid trading and provide an overview of its benefits, challenges, and more. Through…

MORE ARTICLES

Tech

Introducing una Messenger: A Paradigm Shift in Blockchain Connectivity

The digital landscape is set for an unprecedented transformation with the introduction of una Messenger, the latest innovation from web3 development powerhouse Wemade. This platform represents an evolution of the "PAPYRUS Messenger," serving as the cornerstone of the ambitious "unagi" initiative, aimed at catalyzing the mass adoption of blockchain technology. The "Unbound Networking & Accelerating Growth Initiative" seeks to bridge the divides between diverse blockchain services and networks, heralding a new era of interconnectedness. A New Frontier in Blockchain Communication…

Bit2Me Champions WEMIX Token in Pioneering European Listing

Bit2Me, Spain's premier virtual asset exchange, has recently broadened the horizons for cryptocurrency enthusiasts by listing WEMIX, the cornerstone token of the WEMIX3.0 blockchain ecosystem. This marks a notable achievement as WEMIX's inaugural venture into the European market, emphasizing the token's role in facilitating a range of blockchain-based activities, from gaming transactions to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Launched with the intention to democratize access to WEMIX for the 450 million Spanish speakers around the globe, this strategic move aligns with…

CryptoVirally Expands with Fresh Crypto Marketing Offers and Cointelegraph Upgrades

In an exciting update for the cryptocurrency marketing landscape, CryptoVirally has announced a series of new entries and enhancements to its already comprehensive range of services. These updates, aimed at providing tailored marketing solutions for crypto projects, include new limited-time offers and expanded options for Cointelegraph publications. Limited Offers: A Game-Changer in Crypto Marketing  CryptoVirally's limited offers section presents an enticing opportunity for crypto projects to leverage high-impact marketing services at discounted rates. These offers, available for a limited period,…

Breaking Boundaries in Blockchain: WEMIX’s ‘una Wallet’ Sets New Standard for Multi-Chain Asset Management

The WEMIX Foundation has unveiled 'una Wallet,' a revolutionary digital wallet designed to offer unparalleled convenience and security in managing digital assets across various blockchain networks. The announcement, made on January 17, 2024, signifies a new era in the seamless integration of multiple blockchain protocols, including Arbitrum, Avalanche, BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Kroma, Optimism, Polygon, and WEMIX3.0. 'una Wallet' is more than just a digital wallet; it represents the culmination of WEMIX's innovative efforts in the blockchain space. It serves…

MORE ARTICLES