The U.S. Prepares for a Crypto Regulation Breakthrough: What Will 2026 Bring?

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for the U.S. cryptocurrency market. Following Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term, the country has taken significant steps toward a more open and innovation-friendly regulatory environment — and the real boom may still be ahead.

Trump Administration Opens the Door to Crypto One major shift is the appointment of officials supportive of digital asset innovation. Several investigations into crypto firms have been dropped, and banks now have clearer rules for custody of crypto assets. According to Ruslan Lienkha, Market Lead at YouHodler, this trend toward clearer frameworks is key for adoption:

“In 2026, I expect a significant rise in the involvement of banks and financial institutions due to more transparent regulations,” he said.

CLARITY and GENIUS: Two Game-Changing Bills Much attention is now focused on the CLARITY Act, which the Senate Banking Committee is set to discuss on January 15, 2026. The bill aims to clarify whether the SEC or CFTC should regulate different parts of the crypto market.

Another key piece of legislation is the GENIUS Act, passed in mid-2025, which provides a federal framework for payment-based stablecoins. While the law was passed, its implementation has faced delays, with formal rule announcements expected in early 2026. Additionally, the SEC plans to introduce a “regulatory sandbox” starting January 2026 — a limited exemption allowing crypto startups to test innovative products under relaxed compliance rules.

The Fed, State-Level Action, and New Taxes All eyes will also be on the Federal Reserve in May, as Chairman Jerome Powell’s term comes to an end. Trump is expected to nominate a new Fed chair aligned with his economic vision. California will roll out a new digital asset law on July 1, requiring any firm with state-based users to obtain a license. Due to the state’s economic weight, this rule could set a national precedent. Texas has created a Bitcoin reserve fund that will begin directly purchasing BTC in 2026. Similar proposals are under consideration in Arizona and New Hampshire. By August 2026, Congress is expected to pass a new crypto tax package, covering staking, lending, and small crypto transactions.

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