The US cryptocurrency market regulation faces a critical milestone in 2026. In January, the Senate is expected to advance legislative hearings on market structure, while rumors suggest the SEC may introduce an "Innovation Exemption" mechanism. Both signals could accelerate the formation of industry compliance frameworks.

By May, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's term will end, and the Trump administration may appoint a more dovish candidate. This change could reshape macro liquidity expectations and directly impact the overall environment for risk assets. For crypto traders, a shift in Fed policy often determines capital flows.

July marks another watershed—California's Digital Financial Assets Law will officially take effect, requiring industry participants to obtain formal licenses to operate. This means increased compliance costs and pressure on small to medium platforms to shuffle or exit. In mid-July, rules related to the Genius Act will also be implemented (details are incomplete, but such legislation typically involves consumer protection or trading transparency requirements).

Overall, 2026 is a key year for the transition of US crypto regulation from trial to framework. Every policy step could trigger market re-pricing.