February 22, 2026
10 mins
The United States is one of the most competitive markets for crypto traders, and a big part of that comes from how the country regulates digital assets.
In the U.S., several institutions shape the rules you need to follow:
Employers expect you to know why these rules exist and how they affect your day-to-day work; things like record-keeping, AML checks, reporting obligations, and how your trading activity is classified. The American system is strict, but it gives you something extremely valuable: clarity. When you understand the structure, you can operate with confidence.
If you want a deeper understanding of how the IRS taxes crypto, short-term vs. long-term gains, the meaning of “taxable events,” and why every transaction matters, read our full guide on Crypto Tax Rates in the U.S. It will help you speak the same language as institutional funds, prop firms, and regulated exchanges, and it prepares you for the hiring process in one of the world’s most sophisticated crypto markets.
U.S. employers prioritize verifiable skill, risk awareness, and regulatory understanding.
This includes:
The U.S. does not reward vague “I’m a good trader” statements.
It rewards professionals who can show their skill, not describe it.
The U.S. crypto market is heavily regulated, a legitimate firm will always demonstrate:
When evaluating U.S. opportunities, avoid anything that:
Legitimate firms operating in the U.S. welcome due diligence.
Compensation for crypto traders in the U.S. varies widely. Depending on the firm, you may see:
Before accepting any offer, understand the firm’s expectations regarding:
U.S. compensation can be extremely rewarding, but it requires clarity.
Below are the most effective strategies to position yourself in the U.S. market and connect with reputable trading firms, crypto institutions, and Web3 companies.
Prop firms and quant funds are among the strongest employers for crypto traders in the U.S.
These firms look for:
Many now include crypto desks. Look for firms that openly publish their regulatory registrations and trading frameworks.
Traditional Hedge funds have been expanding into Bitcoin and digital-asset markets.
They hire:
These roles prioritize discipline over subjective “intuition-based trading.”
U.S.-registered exchanges must comply with SEC, CFTC, and AML requirements.
Because of this, they often hire traders for:
These roles require strong operational discipline and regulatory familiarity.
As in every other region, the most relevant Web3 boards include:
These platforms frequently list U.S.-based roles from funds, trading desks, and exchanges.
U.S. trading culture is heavily community-driven.
Participating in reputable groups helps employers verify:
Be selective. Follow communities that emphasize learning and transparency, not speculation.
In the U.S., a trader without a verified record is rarely considered.
Show your skills through:
The goal is simple: visibility and credibility.
Specialized recruitment agencies can connect you directly with:
U.S. recruiters will select candidates who can demonstrate discipline and compliance knowledge.
The U.S. calendar is busy, there are events happening in New York, Miami, Austin, Los Angeles, and San Francisco regularly. You will meet fellow traders, founders, and investors.
These include:
Bring a QR-coded business card and a short pitch about your trading approach.
Employers in the U.S. appreciate credentials that demonstrate analytical rigor, such as:
You don’t need to over-credential yourself, just show discipline and technical depth.
Many traders start through:
These help you build a portfolio employers can trust.
U.S. roles may combine:
Understand how the employer manages risk, assigns capital, and evaluates performance before accepting any offer.
Verify:
If a firm avoids these questions, walk away.
You must keep updated with:
This is essential for operating safely in the U.S. market.
Finding a crypto-trader job in the United States is a strategic process. The U.S. rewards clarity, verifiable skill, and regulatory awareness. Focus on building a public portfolio, understanding compliance expectations, and positioning yourself in the right networks, both institutional and Web3-native.
At CoinTerminal, we believe early-stage Web3 participation should be simple and transparent.
No token gating.
No staking.
Just connect your wallet and participate.
We also run a monthly crypto lottery for users contributing 250+ USDT to any refundable IDO.
Explore our active sales and start your journey with a platform designed for accessibility and clarity.
This article is for educational purposes only. It is a general guide for founders and users navigating the Web3 space. It does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.If you want to learn more about raising funds or which IDOs to look into, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out to us on Telegram at any time.