This Week in Crypto Law
The opinion editorial below was written by Alex Forehand and Michael Handelsman for Kelman.Law.
The first week of April underscored a clear trend: crypto is continuing its integration into the traditional financial system, even as regulators and policymakers race to catch up. From federal trust charters to institutional expansion and mounting pressure for U.S. legislation, the legal framework around digital assets is rapidly evolving.
Coinbase Moves Closer to Federal Banking Status
Coinbase has reportedly received conditional approval for a U.S. national trust charter, a development that could allow it to operate as a federally regulated crypto custodian. If finalized, the charter would position Coinbase within the U.S. banking framework, enhancing its ability to serve institutional clients and custody digital assets under federal oversight. This marks a significant step toward regulatory normalization, potentially bridging the gap between crypto platforms and traditional financial institutions.
Franklin Templeton Expands Crypto Footprint
Franklin Templeton announced plans to acquire a crypto-focused investment unit, deepening its presence in the digital asset space. The move reflects growing confidence among traditional asset managers in navigating the legal and regulatory complexities of crypto markets. Institutional adoption is increasingly tied to regulatory clarity. As frameworks mature, legacy financial firms are expanding their crypto offerings rather than remaining on the sidelines.
Sanctions Risk Spotlighted in Trump-Linked Crypto Venture
World Liberty Financial is facing scrutiny over connections to a firm later linked to sanctioned individuals. The situation highlights the legal risks associated with inadequate due diligence in crypto partnerships, particularly as sanctions enforcement becomes a top regulatory priority. Crypto firms are increasingly expected to implement robust compliance programs, especially when engaging with counterparties across jurisdictions.
Read the report: https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/trump-crypto-venture-linked-to-firm-tied-to-sanctioned-figures-knzkphdlg
U.S. Treasury Urges Action on Crypto Legislation
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is pressing Congress to pass a comprehensive crypto market structure bill, warning that regulatory uncertainty is driving innovation offshore. Officials noted that jurisdictions such as Singapore and Abu Dhabi are attracting crypto firms with clearer regulatory frameworks. The U.S. risks losing its competitive edge in digital assets if lawmakers fail to establish a coherent regulatory regime.
Full coverage: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/bessent-urges-congress-pass-crypto-regulation-bill-2026-04-09/
Swiss Banks Test Regulated Stablecoin Framework
A consortium of major banks, including UBS, has launched a sandbox initiative to test a Swiss franc-denominated stablecoin. The project aims to explore compliant use cases for tokenized fiat within a regulated environment. Traditional financial institutions are increasingly developing blockchain-based products within regulatory guardrails, signaling competition with crypto-native stablecoins.
Staying informed and compliant in this evolving landscape is more critical than ever. Whether you are an investor, entrepreneur, or business involved in cryptocurrency, our team is here to help. We provide the legal counsel needed to navigate these exciting developments. If you believe we can assist, schedule a consultation here.
This Week in Crypto Archive:
This Week in Crypto Law (Mar. 29, 2026)