19.06.2025 17:52
Following the Senate's overwhelming 68-30 approval of the GENIUS Act, a landmark bill establishing a federal framework for stablecoins, Circle's stock experienced a dramatic surge. This legislative victory, representing a significant shift in US regulatory policy for the cryptocurrency sector, immediately impacted market sentiment.
The subsequent market reaction was swift and substantial. Circle's share price leaped nearly 34%, closing at a record high of $199.59 on June 18th, before climbing even further to $211.87 during after-hours trading. This impressive performance underscores Circle's leading role in the US stablecoin market, especially considering the company's relatively recent public listing on June 4th, 2025.
For years, stablecoin issuers like Circle navigated a complex landscape of inconsistent state-level regulations. The GENIUS Act fundamentally alters this, introducing clear federal standards for reserves, audits, and operational oversight. Proponents of the bill highlighted its aim to foster legitimacy for digital dollar equivalents while simultaneously bolstering financial stability. This regulatory clarity is anticipated to accelerate the institutional adoption of USDC, Circle's prominent stablecoin.
Previously hesitant due to regulatory uncertainty, banks and fintech firms may now see Circle as a reliable partner for integrating digital assets into their offerings. The increased regulatory certainty provided by the GENIUS Act removes a key obstacle to wider adoption.
The bill's passage gained considerable momentum after a mid-June endorsement from Donald Trump, who publicly voiced support for digital asset regulation and even promoted his own cryptocurrency, $TRUMP. This unexpected backing helped break a Senate deadlock and propel the legislation forward. With Trump now urging its swift passage, the bill proceeds to the House of Representatives, facing a deadline of August for presidential signature. The impact of this legislation extends beyond Circle, influencing the entire crypto landscape and setting a precedent for future regulatory decisions.
