Crypto Crystal Ball 2026: Will Crypto Lose the Fight for a Market Structure Bill?
The crypto industry has experienced a dramatic turnaround, with regulatory wins boosting its prospects, but major challenges remain unresolved. A pivotal issue for 2026 is whether a comprehensive crypto market structure bill will pass, granting lasting legal clarity and legitimacy to most token issuers and intermediaries in the U.S. Despite regulatory advancements and more favorable attitudes from agencies like the SEC and CFTC, skepticism about the bill’s chances in the Senate has grown due to political complexity and upcoming midterms. Some industry leaders argue that recent regulatory progress reduces the urgency to pass new legislation, especially with expected SEC exemptions for crypto projects. Others insist legislation remains essential for securing the sector’s legitimacy and attracting cautious investors. Meanwhile, regulators continue to reshape crypto rules independently, with SEC leadership claiming ample authority under existing laws. The debate centers on whether regulatory achievements suffice, or if legislative action is crucial for the industry’s sustainable growth and reputational shift.
