US Crypto Regulation in 2026: Legislative Momentum and Market Implications
The US crypto industry enters 2026 with unprecedented regulatory clarity. A confluence of legislative progress, agency realignments, and political tailwinds under the Trump administration has created the most favorable environment for digital assets since Bitcoin’s inception.
January marks a potential inflection point. Senate hearings will revisit the CLARITY Act, legislation designed to resolve the SEC-CFTC jurisdictional feud that has stifled innovation for nearly a decade. WHITE House adviser David Sacks suggests the bill now has its clearest path to passage.
Concurrent SEC leadership changes under Chair Paul Atkins signal a shift from enforcement-first policies toward structured oversight. This aligns with Treasury’s recent guidance allowing banks to custody crypto—a MOVE expected to unlock institutional capital.
