Nasdaq, Lawmakers, and Central Banks Signal a New Phase for Bitcoin Markets

Source: Coindoo Original Title: Nasdaq, Lawmakers, and Central Banks Signal a New Phase for Bitcoin Markets Original Link:

23 January 2026

Nasdaq has taken a formal step toward easing long-standing trading restrictions on Bitcoin and crypto exchange-traded funds, signaling a deeper shift in how traditional markets are approaching digital assets.

A filing submitted this week seeks to remove limitations that have constrained how crypto ETFs are traded, a move widely interpreted as another sign that Wall Street is becoming more comfortable with Bitcoin’s role in mainstream finance.

Key Takeaways

• Nasdaq filed to remove trading restrictions on Bitcoin and crypto ETFs
• U.S. lawmakers are pushing to lock in long-term protections for digital assets
• Bitcoin remains stable near $90,000 despite global macro developments

The development comes as institutional participation in Bitcoin continues to grow, with major asset managers expanding ETF offerings and trading venues adapting infrastructure to accommodate rising demand.

Market observers view Nasdaq’s move as an attempt to modernize its rulebook in response to structural changes in investor behavior, rather than a short-term reaction to price movements.

Regulatory Momentum Builds in Washington

Regulatory signals from Washington reinforced the bullish institutional narrative. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis emphasized that the proposed CLARITY Act would cement protections for digital assets that future administrations would struggle to reverse. The legislation aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty by clearly defining oversight responsibilities and safeguarding market participants from abrupt policy shifts.

Lummis warned that delays could jeopardize progress, urging lawmakers to finalize the framework before political opposition regains traction. Her remarks underscore growing concern among pro-crypto legislators that regulatory clarity must be secured while momentum remains on their side.

Global Macro Backdrop Remains Steady

On the macro front, the Bank of Japan held interest rates steady despite easing inflation pressures in December. Markets reacted calmly to the decision, with minimal movement across major asset classes. Bitcoin hovered near the $89,000 level, the Japanese yen weakened slightly, and the country’s 10-year government bond yield edged higher.

The muted response suggests that crypto markets are increasingly decoupled from short-term central bank decisions, particularly in regions maintaining ultra-loose monetary policy. Instead, investor focus appears to be shifting toward regulatory developments and structural adoption trends.

Taken together, the signals from Nasdaq, U.S. lawmakers, and global central banks point to a market environment where Bitcoin is no longer treated as an outlier. While volatility remains a defining feature of digital assets, the steady institutionalization of crypto products suggests that Bitcoin’s integration into traditional financial systems is continuing—quietly, but decisively.