SEC Chair Atkins says bipartisan crypto market-structure bill likely to be signed by Trump this year
SEC Chair Paul Atkins said he expects the bipartisan crypto market-structure bill to reach President Trump’s desk this year. Speaking on Fox Business, Atkins praised the 2025 GENIUS Act for creating regulatory clarity and said the new bill would be the next major step to remove crypto from a regulatory "gray zone." He argued that clear legislation would provide market certainty and help make the U.S. a global crypto center. The Senate Agriculture Committee delayed a final amendment vote until late January to settle details and build support; the Senate Banking Committee’s markup remains scheduled. Atkins warned a potential U.S. government shutdown if spending bills aren’t passed by Jan. 30 could delay the timetable. He also said bipartisan market-structure legislation would allocate primary oversight between the SEC and CFTC and help guard against aggressive enforcement, aligning with the administration’s aim to bolster the U.S. crypto industry.
Bullish
Legislative progress toward a bipartisan crypto market-structure bill is likely bullish for crypto markets because it reduces regulatory uncertainty—a major negative factor for institutional adoption and liquidity. Atkins’ comments signal regulatory endorsement and a clearer division of oversight between the SEC and CFTC, which can lower enforcement risk for exchanges and token issuers. Near-term volatility could increase around committee votes and the risk of a government shutdown (possible delay to late January), but the net effect is positive: passage and signature would likely boost institutional flows and long-term market confidence. Traders should expect short-term spikes on favorable headlines and increased bid-side volume once the bill advances, while downside risk remains if delays or watered-down provisions emerge.