American Legislators to Discuss Digital Asset Market Structure in January

American Legislators Prepare to Advance Digital Asset Market Structure Bill

With Congress on recess until the new year, sources close to the progress of a bill concerning the digital asset market structure anticipate discussions to commence in early 2026. Members of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee are expected to move forward with examining this bill in the second week of January after months of delays.

According to reports, the Banking Committee may hold a working session for the Responsible Financial Innovation Act during that week. This event would mark a significant step forward in advancing legislation that has been hindered by Democratic concerns regarding decentralized finance and the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Cody Carbone, CEO of the digital asset advocacy organization The Digital Chamber, stated to Cointelegraph that "the second week of January will include at least one working session on the market structure legislation in the Senate."

Additionally, the U.S. Senate Agricultural Committee is considering its own version of the market structure bill prior to any floor vote in the chamber. The bill, which was approved by the House of Representatives in July under the title of the Clarity for Digital Assets Act (CLARITY), is expected to grant the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) greater authority in regulating digital assets. Early drafts of the Senate bill have indicated closer collaboration between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding cryptocurrency regulation.

It remains unclear whether the legislation will garner enough support to pass in the Senate if it is presented for a floor vote. Republican Senator Thom Tillis mentioned in October that the onset of the midterm election campaign in 2026 could impact progress on cryptocurrency-related bills, including the market structure. In addition to political concerns, one of the most vocal supporters of the Senate bill, Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming, announced on December 19 that she would not seek re-election in 2026. She explained that her energy does not "align" with what is required to serve another six years. However, she continues to advocate for the legislation following her announcement.