Crypto Market Now Tops $4 Trillion After Stablecoin Bill Clears Congress
In what traders are already calling a watershed moment for digital assets, the total crypto market valuation surged past the US $4 trillion mark for the first time on Friday. The astonishing milestone comes on the back of a landmark legislative triumph: the U.S. House of Representatives passed the GENIUS Act, the country’s inaugural federal legislation regulating stablecoins. The bill now awaits President Trump's signature, reinforcing confidence across crypto markets and signalling a new era of institutional acceptance.
Regulatory Breakthrough Drives Market Surge
The GENIUS Act, overwhelmingly passed by a 308–122 margin, lays down guardrails for stablecoins mandating issuers maintain 1:1 reserves in low-risk assets, undergo regular audits, adopt AML protocols, and register with federal and state authorities. This move brings much-needed clarity to a market segment long plagued by opaque reserve practices.
Following the bill’s passage, the crypto ecosystem reacted with gusto: Bitcoin climbed by around 1.7% in the 24 hours up to 11:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, while altcoins took flight. Ethereum rallied nearly 22% over the past five days, and tokens like XRP, Solana, and Uniswap also posted double‑digit gains. As a result, market capitalisation across all cryptocurrencies surged past $4 trillion a symbolic threshold signalling mainstream legitimacy;
Altcoins Lead the Charge
Altcoins, long considered volatile and speculative, are now at the forefront of this rally. Ethereum, Solana, Uniswap, and XRP suffered spectacular gains as investors shifted capital into projects believed to benefit directly from clearer federal oversight. XRP alone climbed 5%, briefly touching $3.64 its highest point since 2018.
Crypto analysts attribute the surge to a wave of optimism for coins beyond Bitcoin, driven by perceptions of rapid growth potential, solid fundamentals, and increased use cases. The market’s newfound status as a $4 trillion asset class has also helped draw institutional inflows from ETFs to venture arms and family offices.
Water Cooler Talk: Is $4 Trillion a Ceiling or a Floor?
Some analysts suggest the $4 trillion milestone could prove a springboard, not a ceiling. One trader noted that technical resistance lies near $4.5 trillion, though caution is warranted amid tightening macroeconomic pressures. Still, many view the surge as validation of crypto’s maturation, propelled by regulatory legitimacy and growing cash flows.
What Comes Next?
With the GENIUS Act now headed to President Trump’s desk, attention turns to whether it is signed immediately expected before the weekend. House Republicans are also advancing companion legislation, including the Clarity Act (defining regulatory oversight between SEC and CFTC) and a ban on Federal Reserve‑issued CBDCs. These measures are pending Senate approval.
Meanwhile, on-chain metrics point to further momentum: whale wallet activity is increasing, stablecoin supply remains elevated, and on‑chain transaction volumes are rebounding all pointing to sustained investor interest.
A Defining Moment for Crypto
Today’s landmark signifies more than just a price surge. It marks a turning point in crypto’s evolution from fringe phenomenon to globally regulated asset class. With federal oversight finally catching up, Washington has extended an invitation to participate in the digital future. As crypto markets settle above $4 trillion, the industry is undoubtedly at a crossroads armed with both opportunity and responsibility.
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