📌 Cryptocurrency market structure bill: hearing postponed until 2026.
– Though the delay was anticipated, it was still a blow to the cryptosphere, which had at least expected to see a markup hearing, in the absence of a stronger push for major new legislation expected in 2025. It’s unclear how quickly delegates will be able to resume the dialog in the coming year.
The main focus of Congress will be on funding issues for the United States government after returning from the Christmas recess, as the current budget law expires on January 30. If a second paralysis of government agencies can be avoided, lawmakers will have limited time to work on market regulations before next year’s election campaign becomes their top priority.
From the beginning, Chairman Scott has made no secret of the fact that this work must be done with bipartisan consensus, said a committee spokesman. – He has consistently engaged in constructive conversations with great restraint in an effort to forge a strong bipartisan document that will provide certainty for the digital asset sector as well as cement America’s status as the world’s crypto capital. The committee continues to consult and hopes to have the bill considered in early 2026.
The Market Structure Initiative is intended to establish a framework for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to oversee crypto markets by designating the CFTC as the primary regulator of the cryptocurrency spot market and more clearly defining the application of securities laws to the industry.
The Banking Committee, which oversees the SEC, has prepared a number of drafts, while the Senate Agriculture Committee, which is responsible for the CFTC, has submitted one draft for discussion and will also have to hold its own hearings.
Among the Democrats’ arguments are concerns about financial stability, market integrity and ethics – with the latter point largely a response to the various crypto businesses linked to President Donald Trump and his family, which have added billions of dollars to their fortunes.