Top US Crypto Bills To Watch in 2026: Market Structure, Stablecoins & More

Core Insights - 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year for the U.S. cryptocurrency ecosystem, with lawmakers moving towards defining cryptocurrency regulations [1][6] - A new wave of crypto bills, including the CLARITY Act, aims to provide clarity on market structure, stablecoins, and taxation, potentially enhancing institutional adoption [2][6] Legislative Developments - The GENIUS Act was passed in July 2025, setting the stage for subsequent high-impact laws that could solidify the U.S. as a leader in digital assets [2] - The CLARITY Act, which passed the House in July 2025 with bipartisan support, seeks to resolve jurisdictional disputes between the SEC and CFTC [3][5] - The Senate delayed action on the CLARITY Act in late 2025, but hearings and markups are expected in January 2026, with a 50-60% chance of passage before the November 2026 midterms [4] Regulatory Clarity and Impact - If enacted, the CLARITY Act could significantly boost institutional participation by providing the necessary regulatory clarity for banks, exchanges, and investment funds [5][6] - Key provisions of the CLARITY Act include classifying Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as commodities under CFTC regulation, while securities-like assets remain under SEC oversight [5][7] - The legislation aims to establish registration requirements for digital commodity exchanges, brokers, and dealers, and provide clearer rules for decentralized finance (DeFi) activities and tokenized assets [7]