SEC Chair Paul Atkins is optimistic that a long-awaited cryptocurrency market structure bill could reach President Donald Trump’s desk for signing before the year ends. In an interview with Fox Business, Atkins emphasized ongoing work to clarify rules for digital asset trading, stating the legislation would offer crucial guidance for investors and trading platforms.
Atkins, confirmed by the Senate in April 2025, noted that tokenization and faster settlement systems represent the next evolution for U.S. markets. He believes a market structure law would provide clearer rules for firms and investors engaged in digital asset trading. Reports indicate he views the bill as aligning with the administration’s goal to boost U.S. competitiveness in crypto.
However, analysts caution that passage is not assured. One market assessment gives the bill a 50-60% chance of clearing Congress in 2026, warning that delays could push final approval to 2027. Others suggest a longer timeline, noting that final rules might take years to implement if political conditions shift.
The proposed legislation aims to define which federal agency oversees different digital assets, set standards for token trading platforms, and establish clearer reporting requirements for market participants. Committee markups are expected before any Senate vote, which will determine the bill’s final language.
Industry groups have welcomed Atkins’ optimism, believing clear rules could attract more institutional investment to regulated U.S. crypto markets. However, many companies remain cautious, noting that key details—such as custody rules and the division of oversight between agencies—must still be resolved by Congress. This regulatory uncertainty has contributed to market volatility, with prices often swinging on news of legislative progress or delays.
The political calendar adds another layer of complexity. If the Senate postpones key votes, current support for the bill could weaken as other priorities emerge. Some advocates argue for swift action to provide regulatory clarity, while others warn that a rushed law might contain flaws requiring future corrections. The balance between speed and thoroughness remains a active debate in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the potential for a crypto market structure bill being signed based on recent statements from the SEC Chair
Beginner General Questions
1 What is this crypto market structure bill everyone is talking about
Its a proposed law in the US Congress that aims to create clear rules for the cryptocurrency industry Its main goal is to define which digital assets are securities and which are commodities
2 Who is saying this bill could be signed by Trump
The Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission Gary Gensler made this comment He noted that if the current Congress passes such a bill the sitting President would likely sign it into law
3 Why is this a big deal
The crypto industry in the US has operated under regulatory uncertainty for years A clear federal law would provide rules of the road for companies and protect consumers potentially leading to more innovation and investment in the US market
4 Is this bill definitely going to become law
No not at all Chair Gensler was commenting on the political possibility The bill still needs to pass through multiple committees and votes in both the House and Senate which is a challenging and uncertain process
Intermediate Impact Questions
5 Whats the difference between the SEC and CFTC and why does it matter
SEC Regulates investments like stocks and bonds where people invest money in a common enterprise expecting profits from the efforts of others
CFTC Regulates commodities like gold oil and agricultural products focusing on futures and derivatives markets
The fight over whether a crypto token is a security or a commodity is at the heart of the current regulatory confusion This bill would try to draw that line
6 How would this bill benefit the average crypto user
It could lead to stronger consumer protections clearer disclosure requirements from crypto companies and more stability in the market It might also make it easier and safer for mainstream financial institutions to offer crypto services