Key Timeline of U.S. Cryptocurrency Regulation in 2026

As of December 31, during Trump’s second term, U.S. crypto policy has shifted noticeably towards a friendly stance. 2026 is seen as a decisive year, with the following key milestones: · January: The Senate is expected to hold hearings on the Crypto Market Structure Act, which, if passed, will clarify the regulatory boundaries between the SEC and CFTC; the SEC may also introduce an “Innovation Exemption” mechanism to relax compliance thresholds for startups. · May 15: Federal Reserve Chair Powell’s term expires, and Trump may appoint a more dovish candidate, potentially benefiting crypto assets. · July 1: The California Digital Financial Assets Law takes effect, imposing licensing requirements on institutions conducting crypto business in California. · July 18: The regulatory details for the Stablecoin GENIUS Act, covering issuance, capital, and compliance rules, are due. · August: Crypto tax legislation (including small exemption for stablecoins) and CFTC blockchain-related rules are expected to advance. · November 3: U.S. midterm elections, with results potentially directly impacting crypto legislation and regulation trends. Industry insiders generally believe that the U.S. is closer than ever to establishing a clear and unified crypto regulatory framework.