Paul Atkins, Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), described the crypto market structure regulation on the Congress agenda as “a critical week for cryptocurrency”. Speaking to Fox Business on Monday, Atkins emphasized that the legislation’s approach to the voting process represents a historic threshold for financial markets. The statements come as political momentum to clarify the legal framework for cryptocurrencies is gaining momentum in Washington. Markets are watching the process as a breaking point that can determine the long-term direction of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.
Cryptocurrency Market Structure Act on Congress Agenda
According to SEC Chairman Atkins, the market structure bill considered in Congress is a comprehensive regulation aimed at adapting the US financial system to the 21st century. It is stated that the bill coincides with President Donald Trump’s vision of “making the USA the global cryptocurrency center”, and it is argued that clear rules will bring predictability to the markets. Atkins stated that a clear legal framework would strengthen investor confidence and eliminate the sector’s long-discussed uncertainty problem.
In his post on social media platform X, he emphasized that ending the gray area is a priority. Atkins said a bill with bipartisan support would provide a protective basis against future regulatory approaches that could lead to overreach. Indirect criticism of previous SEC administrations also attracted attention in his statement.
While the message of working closely with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) was given during the draft process, it was stated that the new management team formed in the field of financial services would play an active role in the implementation phase. It is said in Washington lobbies that the regulation could redefine not only the cryptocurrency market but also the boundaries between traditional finance and cryptocurrencies.
Market Expectations and Bitcoin Scenario
Expectations for regulation in the cryptocurrency investment world are increasingly rising. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan described the CLARITY Act as a seasonal sign for the cryptocurrency market and said that new peaks may come to the fore if the law is passed. According to Hougan, the failure of the bill in Congress could lead to the prolongation of the current recession.
The US Senate plans to start the evaluation process of the bill on Thursday, January 15. It is envisaged that the drafts will be harmonized in the Banking and Agriculture committees and then the final text will be submitted to the Congress for a vote. The acceleration of the process has created a calendar that can determine the direction of the cryptocurrency ecosystem throughout 2026.
MN Fund co-founder Michaël van de Poppe emphasized that the CLARITY Act was underestimated for the sector. Reminding that the GENIUS Law, which includes the stablecoin regulation, plays a decisive role in the market, van de Poppe stated that the effect of the market structure law will be many times greater than this. In a positive scenario, it would not be a surprise if Bitcoin headed for a new all-time peak.
