US Congress Revives Landmark Crypto Bill in 2026: Key Rules for Digital Assets on the Horizon
- Why Is the Crypto Market Structure Bill Back in Focus?
- What Are the Three Biggest Flashpoints in the Bill?
- How Could This Reshape Crypto Exchanges Like BTCC?
- What’s the Timeline for the Bill’s Passage?
- Could This Drive Crypto Firms Out of the US?
- What’s Next for Investors?
- FAQs: Your Crypto Bill Questions Answered
The US Congress is reigniting efforts to pass a pivotal crypto market structure bill, aiming to establish clear regulations for digital assets. With hearings scheduled this week, the bill could redefine how cryptocurrencies operate in the US, addressing stablecoin yields, DeFi accountability, and even political figures like Trump profiting from crypto. Here’s what’s at stake—and why time is running out.
Why Is the Crypto Market Structure Bill Back in Focus?
After stalling in 2025, the US Congress is pushing forward with the, a bill designed to create the first comprehensive legal framework for cryptocurrencies. The Senate’s Agriculture and Banking Committees are set to review and amend their respective sections this Thursday. If approved, this could finally answer long-standing questions about how the SEC and CFTC will split crypto oversight, registration requirements for exchanges, and token classifications. As Cody Carbone of the Digital Chamber put it, "This is the make-or-break moment for crypto regulation in the US."
What Are the Three Biggest Flashpoints in the Bill?
1.Critics argue that stablecoin issuers are circumventing the GENIUS Act (passed in 2025) by offering de facto interest—a loophole that’s hurting traditional banks. Carbone calls this the "biggest unresolved issue" in Congress.
2.The bill risks penalizing developers if their tools are misused for crimes like money laundering. Amanda Tuminelli of the DeFi Education Fund warns against "blaming code instead of people."
3.Senators like Elizabeth Warren want to ban public officials (including Trump, whose affiliates launched memecoins and NFTs) from trading crypto while in office.
How Could This Reshape Crypto Exchanges Like BTCC?
The bill mandates stricter compliance for exchanges, potentially forcing platforms like BTCC to overhaul listing policies and custody rules. Analysts at BTCC note that "the emphasis on self-custody rights could level the playing field for decentralized platforms." Meanwhile, TradingView data shows exchange tokens dipped 4% amid regulatory uncertainty last week.
What’s the Timeline for the Bill’s Passage?
Committees aim to merge draft versions by Thursday, with a full Senate vote expected within weeks. But with midterm elections looming, supporters fear delays could kill the bill. "November is the hard deadline," warns Summer Mersinger of the Blockchain Association. "After that, we’re back to square one."
Could This Drive Crypto Firms Out of the US?
Ironically, theaims to keep crypto businesses stateside—but heavy-handed rules might have the opposite effect. Case in point: After similar debates in 2024, Coinmarketcap reported a 12% spike in offshore exchange registrations. The bill’s treatment of DeFi could be the tipping point.
What’s Next for Investors?
Watch Thursday’s hearings for clues on stablecoin yields and SEC/CFTC turf wars. As for Trump-linked tokens? They’re already volatile—one NFT collection tied to him plunged 30% after Warren’s comments.
FAQs: Your Crypto Bill Questions Answered
What’s the main goal of the Clarity Act?
To provide legal certainty for crypto businesses while defining regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC.
How does the bill handle stablecoins?
It targets yield-bearing models that bypass traditional banking laws, calling them "regulatory arbitrage."
Could DeFi developers face legal risks?
Only if the bill assigns liability for third-party misuse—a hotly contested issue.
