US Lawmakers to Address Market Structure Markup in January

Legislative activity regarding digital assets is currently paused as Congress remains in recess until the new year. During this period of inactivity, sources familiar with the progress of a digital asset market structure bill have indicated that formal consideration of the legislation is anticipated in early 2026.

This timeline suggests that lawmakers are preparing to address complex regulatory issues surrounding cryptocurrency markets once the legislative session resumes. The expectation of consideration in the first quarter of the new year provides insight into the prioritization of digital asset regulation within the federal agenda.

The current status of the Congress is one of recess, a standard break in legislative operations that extends until the new year. During this downtime, active consideration of bills is suspended, allowing lawmakers to return to their constituencies and prepare for the upcoming session.

Despite the pause, planning continues behind the scenes. Sources familiar with the progress of a digital asset market structure bill have shared expectations regarding the legislative calendar. Specifically, these sources anticipate that the bill will receive consideration in early 2026.

This projected timeline aligns with the standard resumption of congressional business following the holiday break. It indicates that digital asset market structure is likely to be one of the topics addressed as lawmakers return to Washington.

The specific legislation in question focuses on market structure for digital assets. This term generally refers to the rules and regulations governing how digital assets are traded, cleared, and settled within the financial system.

Establishing a clear market structure is a critical step toward providing regulatory certainty for the cryptocurrency industry. Without defined rules, market participants often face ambiguity regarding compliance and operational standards.

The expectation of consideration in early 2026 suggests that the bill is intended to address these gaps. By bringing the bill to the floor for debate and markup, Congress aims to refine the regulatory landscape for the growing sector.

The anticipation of legislative action in early 2026 provides a forecast for the digital asset industry. Companies operating in the cryptocurrency space often look to Congress for signals regarding future compliance requirements.

Knowing that a market structure bill is on the agenda allows industry stakeholders to prepare for potential changes in how assets are classified and traded. This advance notice is crucial for businesses that must adapt their operations to meet new legal standards.

The timeline set by sources familiar with the progress of the bill offers a degree of predictability in an otherwise rapidly evolving sector.

As the current year draws to a close, the legislative focus on digital assets is set to carry over into the new year. The Congress recess serves as a temporary halt, but the expectation of consideration in early 2026 signals that momentum will resume shortly thereafter.

The progression of the digital asset market structure bill through the legislative process will be a key event to watch. It represents a significant effort by lawmakers to define the regulatory boundaries for cryptocurrencies in the United States.

With the new year approaching, the stage is set for congressional action on market structure, potentially shaping the future of the digital asset economy.