New "Digital Asset Reserve" Bill Hits Congress — What It Means for Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers
On March 14, 2025, a groundbreaking piece of legislation was introduced to Congress: the Digital Asset Strategic Reserve (DASR) Act. This proposed law aims to give the U.S. government an unprecedented role in the cryptocurrency and digital asset markets, including establishing a federal reserve of digital assets and setting new frameworks for their strategic use.
For broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and other regulated financial institutions, this bill signals a potential sea change in how digital assets are treated under U.S. law — and how firms must prepare to manage compliance, disclosures, and client communication around these assets.
What Is the Digital Asset Strategic Reserve Act?
The DASR Act would allow the U.S. to build and maintain a national reserve of digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and potentially other emerging tokens. It would aim to position the U.S. as a leader in the global digital economy, but more importantly, it would set the groundwork for public-private collaboration in managing digital assets as strategic reserves.
Key aspects of the bill include:
Creating a government-backed reserve of cryptocurrencies.
Establishing regulatory frameworks for how and when digital assets can be bought, sold, and used for national purposes.
Laying out initial steps toward recognizing digital assets as part of national economic strategy, potentially influencing everything from monetary policy to international trade.
Why Broker-Dealers and RIAs Need to Pay Attention
If passed, the DASR Act would have direct and indirect impacts on how financial firms handle digital assets:
New Disclosure and Suitability Standards — As digital assets gain federal recognition, expect new FINRA and SEC guidance on how to properly disclose, assess suitability, and monitor digital asset investments for clients.
Market Impact and Volatility — A federal buying or selling program could significantly impact the price and liquidity of digital assets, affecting client portfolios and firm-held assets.
Recordkeeping and Custody Requirements — Firms may need to update their compliance programs, including books and records, for tracking digital assets under a new regulatory framework.
AML/KYC Considerations — Federal participation in digital asset markets could drive stricter anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules for private firms handling crypto.
How GiGCXOs Can Help
At GiGCXOs, we’re already advising firms on the intersection of digital assets and U.S. securities laws. With products like Special Purpose Broker-Dealer Registration, Crypto KYC/AML Compliance Solutions, and Digital Asset Custody Consulting, we’re uniquely positioned to help broker-dealers and investment advisers navigate the next wave of digital asset regulation.
Our team of experts can:
Prepare your firm for upcoming regulatory changes related to digital assets.
Review and update your WSPs and AML programs to address potential federal crypto reserve implications.
Train your staff on new compliance expectations in a rapidly shifting digital landscape.
Guide firms through registration processes for digital asset-related activities.
Next Steps: Don’t Wait for Congress to Act
Although the DASR Act is still in early stages, forward-thinking firms should start planning now. The digital asset space is maturing quickly, and regulators will expect firms to have robust compliance programs ready to address any new laws or rules that emerge.
Contact GiGCXOs today to discuss how we can help future-proof your business in a world where digital assets and national reserves may soon be deeply intertwined.
👉 Reach out to us at www.gigcxos.com to learn more.
