Paul Atkins, the chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is optimistic that the much-anticipated crypto market structure bill will make its way to President Donald Trump’s desk for signing within the year.
In a recent interview with Fox Business, Atkins spoke about the positive regulatory outlook for the crypto sector in 2026 and his confidence that this crucial bill will move the U.S. closer to becoming the “crypto capital of the world.”
Atkins was particularly enthusiastic about the passing of the GENIUS Act in 2025, highlighting it as a significant step toward providing much-needed regulatory clarity in the crypto market.
He stressed that the crypto market structure bill, which is now in progress, would provide the next critical boost for the industry, bringing both structure and certainty to the U.S. market.
The Importance of Bipartisan Support for the Crypto Bill
One of the key points Atkins made was the bipartisan nature of the crypto market structure bill, which he believes will create a stable and predictable environment for both crypto companies and investors.
According to Atkins, the bill aligns with President Trump’s vision for America to lead the global crypto space.
“If you have clear legislation and clear rules, you create certainty in the marketplace,” he explained.
“We’re behind it, and we’re very bullish about the effects it will have on the crypto marketplace.”
Atkins is confident that, once finalized, this bill will serve as a game-changer for the industry, helping to prevent confusion and regulatory ambiguity that has often plagued the sector.
By providing clear oversight, the bill is expected to empower the SEC and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) with primary authority over crypto markets.
Senate Committee Delays Final Markup Until January’s End
While there is significant momentum behind the crypto bill, the Senate Agriculture Committee, which oversees the CFTC, announced it would delay the final markup of the bill until the end of January.
The committee indicated that more time is needed to finalize certain details and build additional support for the legislation.
Initially, the markup was scheduled for Thursday, but that timeline has been shifted.
Despite this, the Senate Banking Committee, which oversees the SEC, is proceeding with its markup as originally planned.
The pushback, however, has only added to the anticipation surrounding the bill’s passage, with industry watchers eager to see the final version and its potential impact.
A Government Shutdown Could Stall Progress
However, there’s a looming concern that could complicate the bill’s path forward: the possibility of a government shutdown.
If the House of Representatives fails to pass the necessary government spending bills by January 30, the U.S. government could face a shutdown, which might delay progress on the crypto bill and other legislative efforts.
Despite these challenges, Atkins remains hopeful that the bill will proceed as planned, and he believes it will be a key component in ensuring that the U.S. maintains its leadership position in the global crypto space.
Bringing Crypto Out of the Regulatory Gray Zone
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atkins emphasized that the most important step the government can take for investors right now is to eliminate the “regulatory gray zone” that has been a source of uncertainty in the crypto markets.
He argued that passing the bipartisan crypto market structure legislation would not only protect investors but also safeguard the U.S. from rogue regulators who could undermine the industry’s growth.
“This bill will help future-proof our markets against rogue regulators, ensuring we can achieve President Trump’s goal of making the U.S. the crypto capital of the world,” Atkins wrote.
His comments highlight the importance of creating a regulatory framework that supports innovation while preventing overreach.
What’s Next for the Crypto Market?
The crypto market structure bill represents a major step toward establishing clear and robust oversight for the U.S. crypto market.
If passed, the bill will enable the SEC and CFTC to share jurisdiction over the industry, setting the stage for clearer regulations that could foster greater growth and investment in the sector.
The timing of the bill’s passage is critical, as the global crypto market continues to mature.
As other countries move forward with their own regulatory frameworks, the U.S. risks falling behind if it doesn’t act soon.
The crypto bill could provide the clarity and certainty that the industry needs to thrive in a competitive global environment.
Conclusion: A New Era for Crypto Regulation?
With 2026 already in full swing, all eyes are on the U.S. Senate and its efforts to finalize the crypto market structure bill.
Paul Atkins’ optimism, combined with the support of bipartisan lawmakers, suggests that a breakthrough could be imminent.
However, as always with legislation, unexpected delays—like the looming possibility of a government shutdown—remain a concern.
Ultimately, the passage of this bill would mark a transformative moment for the U.S. crypto industry, signaling a new era of regulation that could drive growth, innovation, and stability in the sector.
As the legislative process unfolds, the crypto community will be watching closely, hoping that the promise of clearer rules will soon become a reality.
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