Anticipated Crypto Market Structure Bill Ready for Trump's Signature, Says SEC Chair

The Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Paul Atkins, is optimistic that a long-awaited bill addressing the structure of the crypto market may soon land on President Donald Trump's desk for signature by the end of this year. In a recent interview with Fox Business, Atkins emphasized ongoing efforts to clarify regulations surrounding digital asset trading. He believes this bill could greatly benefit investors and trading platforms by providing essential guidance.

Key Takeaways

Bill Progress: The SEC's Paul Atkins is hopeful that a new bill on crypto market structure will soon reach President Trump for a signature.
Clear Guidelines: The proposed legislation aims to provide clarity for investors and trading platforms regarding the rules for digital asset trading.
Legislative Challenges: Passage is uncertain, with analysts giving it a 50-60% chance for success in 2026, potentially extending into 2027.
Impact on Markets: Clear regulations might boost institutional investment in crypto, but companies express caution due to regulatory uncertainties.
Ongoing Discussions: The specifics of the bill will be influenced by upcoming committee sessions and Senate votes, which could affect its ultimate fate.

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SEC Chair Confident in Upcoming Changes

Paul Atkins, confirmed by the Senate in April 2025 with a 52-44 vote, noted that concepts like tokenization and expedited settlement systems are critical for the future of U.S. markets. According to Atkins, a structured regulatory framework would clearly indicate the rules applicable to digital asset trading, offering firms and investors vital insights.

Reports indicate that Atkins views this bill as aligning with the administration's initiative to enhance the United States' competitive edge in the crypto sector.

"This is a big week for crypto – Congress is on the verge of revamping our financial markets for the 21st century.
I fully support Congress in clarifying the jurisdictional divide between the SEC and the @CFTC."
— Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) January 12, 2026

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Legislative Process and Potential Challenges Ahead

According to financial analysts, while optimism surrounds the bill's progress, its passage is not guaranteed. One analysis estimated the likelihood of the bill clearing Congress in 2026 at approximately 50-60%, and cautioned that delays might extend this timeline into 2027.

Some analysts project that if political circumstances shift, establishing the final rules for the market structure could take even longer. The proposed measures aim to clarify which federal entities will oversee different digital instruments, standardize trading venue requirements for listing tokens, and enhance reporting regulations for market entities.

It has been reported that committee discussions are expected before any Senate vote, and these sessions will be pivotal in finalizing the bill's content.

bitcoin Bitcoin trading at $92,330 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView

The optimism articulated by Atkins has been positively received by industry associations, as they believe that clear regulatory frameworks could encourage institutional investment in the domestic crypto market. Conversely, many companies remain cautious, sensing lingering uncertainties regarding potential regulations.

While regulators are generally in agreement concerning overarching regulation, specific details related to custody, custody providers, and the division of oversight among various regulatory bodies must be resolved by Congress before significant progress is achievable.

This ongoing negotiation between Congress and regulatory agencies has led to market reactions characterized by swift rises followed by declines in response to legislative standstills.

The legislative schedule, including midterm sessions and committee meetings, is being carefully monitored. If the Senate postpones crucial votes, current support may diminish or shift in response to competing priorities.

Some experts argue that prompt action is essential for securing regulatory clarity, while others caution that rushing the legislation could result in omissions that necessitate later amendments. The tension between expedited processes and thoroughness is a hot topic in Washington.