Senate Plans Markup Crypto Market Structure Bill, 2026 Vote
The crypto market structure bill has faced delays after the Senate Banking Committee missed its September deadline. On November 18, Chair Tim Scott said the bill will be marked up next month, with a full Senate vote expected in early 2026. Committees will merge SEC and CFTC drafts, debate amendments on crypto securities, derivatives and DeFi products, and advance a unified bill to the Senate floor.
Bipartisan talks stalled over proposed DeFi rules but regained momentum through industry lobbying, with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong saying final passage by year-end could “unlock crypto” in the U.S. Traders should monitor the markup session as it defines oversight boundaries for the crypto market structure bill, clarifying SEC and CFTC roles and classification of digital assets.
While short-term sentiment may be tempered by ongoing negotiations and shifting timelines, long-term regulatory clarity is likely to boost market stability, attract institutional participation and reduce uncertainty for crypto traders.
Bullish
The news marks progress toward clear rules on SEC and CFTC oversight, which historically supports institutional adoption and market confidence. Short-term delays and ongoing negotiations may keep volatility elevated, but definitive markup and a scheduled vote reduce regulatory uncertainty. Clear jurisdiction boundaries and DeFi provisions can unlock new capital flow, making the overall impact bullish.