The U.S. Senate Banking Committee, led by Chair Tim Scott, plans to mark up a crypto market structure bill in December 2025, aiming to send it to President Donald Trump for signing in early 2026. This legislation seeks to clarify regulatory roles for the CFTC and SEC, fostering clearer rules for the crypto industry.
-
Timeline: Markup expected in December 2025, with Senate floor vote targeted for early 2026.
-
Negotiation challenges: Bipartisan talks ongoing, though Democrats accused of delaying progress.
-
Industry impact: Bill aligns with House-passed CLARITY Act, potentially unlocking crypto innovation under defined regulations.
Discover how the Senate’s crypto market structure bill could transform U.S. regulations in 2026. Key updates from Chair Tim Scott and expert insights await—stay informed on crypto’s future. (152 characters)
What is the Crypto Market Structure Bill and Its Timeline?
Crypto market structure bill refers to proposed U.S. legislation designed to establish clear regulatory frameworks for digital assets, delineating oversight between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott announced on November 2025 that the committee aims to advance the bill through markup in December 2025, positioning it for Senate approval and presidential signature by early 2026. This move builds on the House’s passage of the related CLARITY Act in July 2025, promising to resolve long-standing ambiguities in crypto regulation.
How Will the Bill Address Regulatory Jurisdictions?
The bill divides responsibilities, granting the CFTC authority over commodity-like cryptocurrencies while assigning the SEC oversight of security tokens, as outlined in discussion drafts from both the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees. According to a July 2025 draft from Senate Republicans, this structure integrates with the CLARITY Act to prevent overlapping regulations, which experts estimate could reduce compliance costs by up to 30% for crypto firms. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, emphasized in a November 2025 statement that such clarity would “unlock innovation and position the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets.” The Agriculture Committee’s November 10, 2025, draft further refines CFTC powers, incorporating feedback to ensure balanced consumer protections without stifling growth.
Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott says a vote on the market structure bill could occur in December. Source: YouTube
Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, in a November 2025 interview on Fox Business, highlighted ongoing bipartisan negotiations despite perceived delays from Democratic senators. “We believe we can mark up in both committees and get this to the floor of the Senate early next year so that President Trump will sign the legislation making America the crypto capital of the world,” Scott stated. This reflects a concerted Republican effort, holding 53 Senate seats against Democrats’ 47, though passage requires 60 votes, underscoring the need for cross-aisle support.
The legislative process traces back to the House’s productive July 2025 session, where the CLARITY Act passed alongside the GENIUS Act for stablecoin regulation and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act prohibiting central bank digital currencies. If the Senate version advances, it will reconcile with the House bill before final approval, streamlining crypto’s integration into mainstream finance. Industry observers, including those from major exchanges, view this as a pivotal step toward institutional adoption, with potential market growth projected at 25% annually post-enactment, per reports from financial analysts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Progress Has the Senate Made on the Crypto Market Structure Bill?
The Senate Banking Committee released a discussion draft in July 2025, focusing on SEC-related securities laws, while the Agriculture Committee followed with its draft on November 10, 2025, addressing CFTC jurisdictions. Chair Tim Scott has pushed for December 2025 markup, with negotiations aiming to align both drafts for a cohesive bill that supports crypto’s expansion without excessive bureaucracy. (48 words)
Why Is Bipartisan Agreement Crucial for the Bill’s Success?
Achieving the required 60 Senate votes demands Democratic cooperation, as Republicans currently hold a slim majority. Chair Scott noted in his Fox Business appearance that while progress is evident, stalling tactics from some Democrats could delay the timeline, but optimism remains for a deal that benefits the entire crypto ecosystem and bolsters U.S. competitiveness. This natural alignment of interests makes compromise essential for timely passage. (72 words)
Key Takeaways
- December Markup Push: Senate committees target bill advancement in late 2025, accelerating toward 2026 enactment.
- Industry Endorsement: Leaders like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong advocate for the bill, highlighting its role in fostering U.S. innovation and global leadership.
Regulatory Clarity: Defines CFTC and SEC roles, reducing overlaps and enabling smoother crypto operations for businesses.
Conclusion
The Senate’s crypto market structure bill, under Chair Tim Scott’s leadership, represents a landmark opportunity to establish robust yet flexible regulations for digital assets, integrating insights from the CLARITY Act and recent drafts. By clarifying jurisdictions between the CFTC and SEC, it addresses longstanding uncertainties that have hindered growth. As negotiations intensify, the legislation could solidify America’s position as the world’s crypto hub, encouraging investment and technological advancement in the years ahead—watch for updates as this pivotal bill progresses.
