The U.S. Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act may be submitted for Trump to sign in 2026, with SEC Chair optimistic about a regulatory turning point

Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Paul Atkins recently stated that he believes the highly anticipated Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act (CBS) is expected to complete its congressional process by 2026 and ultimately be signed into law by President Trump. This statement is interpreted by the market as an important signal that U.S. crypto regulation is entering an institutionalized phase.

In an interview with Fox Business, Paul Atkins reviewed the latest developments in crypto regulation and highly praised the GENIUS Act, which was passed in 2025. He pointed out that the act provides a foundational regulatory framework for stablecoins and related digital assets, significantly improving long-standing uncertainties and laying the groundwork for subsequent legislation.

Paul Atkins emphasized that the bipartisan-driven Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act will become a key pillar for the development of the domestic U.S. crypto industry. He believes that the act aligns closely with President Trump’s strategy to make the U.S. a global cryptocurrency hub. Once regulatory boundaries are clarified, market operations will become more stable and predictable.

However, the legislative process still faces practical challenges. The Senate Agriculture Committee, responsible for CFTC oversight, has postponed its final review originally scheduled for late January to further refine the provisions and seek broader political consensus. Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee, overseeing SEC matters, still plans to proceed with related discussions as scheduled.

Additionally, the risk of a government shutdown is seen as a potential variable. If the House fails to pass key spending bills by January 30, a federal government shutdown could disrupt the legislative pace. Paul Atkins directly stated on X that the most important task for the current government is to get the crypto asset market out of regulatory gray areas.

He pointed out that legislation with bipartisan consensus on market structure will not only help clarify the regulatory boundaries between the SEC and CFTC but also prevent policy reversals from causing shocks to the industry. Under the influence of multiple factors, this bill is widely regarded as a key milestone in the institutionalization process of the U.S. crypto market in 2026.