The U.S. Congress is about to take a historic step in crypto regulation, as the bipartisan market structure bill from Senator Cynthia Lummis is set to be discussed in January 2026.
After ten years of uncertainty, this law promises to provide clarity to innovative entrepreneurs, protect consumers, and ensure that the growth of digital assets in the U.S. remains and does not shift abroad.
Regulatory momentum is growing as Lummis steps back.
Wyoming senator Cynthia Lummis, a long-time advocate for clarity around digital assets, announced on December 19 that she will not run for re-election. Despite her departure, she emphasized that she will continue to advocate for her bipartisan bill.
‘Our bill around digital asset market structure provides the necessary clarity to innovative entrepreneurs in the sector while protecting consumers,’ tweeted Lummis on Sunday.
She emphasized that clear rules are essential to stimulate innovation in the US. Her message came shortly after the Wyoming senator named another significant regulatory success: Governor Waller's skinny master account framework.
According to the senator, the plan means the end of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and opens the door to real innovation in payments.
The crypto community is watching closely. Meanwhile, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and industry figures like Merlijn the Trader emphasize that the bill could provide unprecedented regulatory certainty.
‘After a decade of uncertainty, a framework is finally emerging. Markets rarely account for regulatory certainty,’ noted Merlijn.
Meanwhile, David Sacks, Trump's AI and crypto czar, confirmed progress in discussions with Congressional leaders.
‘...we are closer to the approval of the groundbreaking crypto market structure bill than ever, a bill that President Trump has requested. We hope to finish the work in January!’ wrote Sacks.
SEC's Project Crypto paves the way
In November 2025, more clarity emerged through SEC Chairman Paul Atkins with 'Project Crypto', which introduced a four-part token taxonomy. This framework distinguishes between digital commodities, collectibles, tools, and tokenized securities.
Most tokens, as long as they are not tied to ongoing investment contracts, now fall outside the SEC's oversight. This finally provides stakeholders in the sector with the long-awaited guidelines.
Broker-dealer custody rules have also been clarified, and the SEC held privacy roundtables to find a balance between innovation and market integrity.
Bank access, agency coordination, and next steps
December brought additional milestones. The FDIC approved full insurance for a national crypto bank on December 16, and stablecoin payment accounts entered the public consultation round.
The Federal Reserve's master account framework is expected to increase access to banking services for compliant crypto institutions. Leadership confirmations at the CFTC and FDIC and laws like the SAFE Crypto Act demonstrate bipartisan support for broad regulatory renewal.
The discussion in January marks a turning point. If the Lummis bill is passed, it could:
Giving the US a leading position in the field of digital assets,
Finally providing entrepreneurs with clarity on regulation, and
Ensuring that the country remains competitive in the fast-paced international crypto market.
With support from both parties and growing optimism within the sector, 2026 could finally be the year in which America brings order to the crypto chaos.