Paul Atkins, Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasized the upcoming congressional decision on cryptocurrency market structure regulation as a “critical week for cryptocurrency.” During his appearance on Fox Business, Atkins highlighted how the impending vote could represent a historic threshold for financial markets, amidst an era of swift political momentum in Washington dedicated to clarifying the legal framework surrounding cryptocurrencies. The financial markets are watching this closely, viewing it as a potential turning point for the long-term trajectory of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
The Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act in Congress
According to SEC Chair Atkins, the market structure bill under consideration in Congress aims to adapt the U.S. financial system to the 21st century. The proposal is said to align with President Donald Trump’s vision of making the U.S. a global hub for cryptocurrency, with clear rules purportedly offering greater predictability to the markets. Atkins contends that a well-defined legal framework will strengthen investor confidence and eliminate long-standing uncertainties within the sector.
Atkins reiterated on social media that prioritizing the removal of gray areas is essential. He emphasized that bipartisan support for such legislation can provide a safeguard against regulatory excesses. His comments included indirect criticisms of previous SEC administrations.
Throughout the bill’s development, a close working relationship with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) was promised, indicating that the newly established management team for financial services is expected to play an active role during implementation. Discussions in Washington suggest that the legislation could redefine not only the crypto market but also the boundaries between traditional finance and cryptocurrency.
Market Expectations and the Bitcoin Scenario
Expectations are mounting in the cryptocurrency investment world regarding this regulation. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan described the CLARITY Act as a seasonal indicator for the crypto market, predicting new market highs should the bill pass. Conversely, Hougan suggested that a failure in Congress could prolong the current stagnation.
The U.S. Senate plans to initiate the bill’s consideration process on Thursday, January 15. Subsequent harmonization of drafts by the Banking and Agriculture committees is anticipated before a final version is voted on in Congress. This expedited process could establish a timeline influencing the cryptocurrency ecosystem throughout 2026.
Michaël van de Poppe, co-founder of MN Fund, remarked that the significance of the CLARITY Act for the sector may be underestimated. He pointed out that the GENIUS Act, including stablecoin regulation, has had a defining role in the market, and expects the market structure bill to have a substantially greater impact. A positive outcome might lead Bitcoin toward a new all-time high, a sentiment gaining traction in the market.
