US Crypto Laws: What's Brewing in 2026?

The crypto world is buzzing with anticipation as the US gears up for some major regulatory shifts in 2026. With new leadership in the White House, the crypto industry is bracing for changes that could reshape the digital asset landscape. One of the biggest talking points is the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, or CLARITY for short. This bill has been kicking around since July 2025, but it's still waiting for the Senate to give it the green light. The Senate Banking Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee have both put forward their own versions of the bill, so it's anyone's guess what the final version will look like. But if it passes, it could give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) more power to regulate digital assets, which could be a big deal for the industry. Another piece of legislation that's been making waves is the GENIUS Act. This bill aims to create a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, and it was signed into law by President Trump in July 2025. However, it won't take effect until 2026 at the earliest. The Treasury Department has already opened up two rounds of comments for proposed rules related to the GENIUS Act, so it's clear that regulators are taking this seriously.But it's not just the federal government that's making moves in the crypto space. In June 2025, Texas became the first state to establish a crypto reserve, with plans to invest in Bitcoin (BTC) in 2026. Other states like Arizona and New Hampshire have also passed similar legislation, so it's possible that we could see more states jumping on the crypto bandwagon in the coming year. Of course, all of these changes come with their own set of challenges and uncertainties. For one thing, the CFTC is currently operating with just one commissioner, which could make it harder for the agency to keep up with the fast-paced world of crypto. And with so many different bills and proposals in the works, it's anyone's guess what the regulatory landscape will look like in a few years. But one thing is for sure: the crypto industry is watching closely, and any major changes could have a big impact on the market. So buckle up, because 2026 is shaping up to be a wild ride for crypto regulation.