U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis has introduced a bipartisan standalone bill with Senator Ron Wyden to shield non-custodial blockchain developers from being treated as money transmitters under federal rules, as the Senate prepares to release and mark up its broader Digital Asset Market Clarity Act this week. The measure, which revives the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, coincides with leaked draft provisions that would curb interest payments on passive stablecoin balances and with upcoming Senate Banking Committee and Agriculture Committee markups that could significantly shape future U.S. crypto and DeFi regulation.

On January 13, the U.S. Senate released a 278-page bipartisan crypto market structure bill after extensive negotiations in Washington. The draft sets activity-based limits on stablecoin rewards that could advantage banks and constrain non-bank firms, and allows a 48-hour window for amendments.

Kalshi can continue operating in Tennessee after a federal judge granted its request for a temporary restraining order against state regulators. The ruling blocks enforcement of cease-and-desist demands over alleged unlicensed sports event contracts until a preliminary injunction hearing set for Jan. 26.

US Securities and Exchange Commission chair Paul Atkins said in a Monday interview that he is optimistic a bipartisan crypto market structure bill will reach President Donald Trump's desk for signature in 2026. He argued the measure, along with the GENIUS Act passed in 2025, would move digital asset trading out of a regulatory gray area and strengthen US ambitions to be a leading crypto hub.

Commodities opened 2026 with strong momentum, led by record-setting metals, firmer oil prices, and softer agricultural markets. Gold broke above $4,600 on safe-haven demand and central bank buying, silver surged on industrial and defensive use, and copper remained elevated amid structural supply shortages. Oil edged higher on Middle East supply risks, while grains lagged after bearish USDA data. Against this backdrop, crypto platforms like BingX launched TradFi trading, allowing investors to access commodities alongside crypto as volatility and cross-market interest build early in the year.

According to analyst Benjamin Cowen, the 30‑day moving average of views across major crypto YouTube channels has dropped to levels last recorded in January 2021, marking a multi‑year low in audience engagement. Several creators report that interest has waned across social platforms, even as Bitcoin trades near $92,000 and attention appears to be shifting toward safe‑haven assets such as gold, silver, and privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.

John Williams, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, said current U.S. interest rates are well aligned with achieving sustainable employment and returning inflation to 2%. He referenced the Federal Open Market Committee's 75-basis-point rate reduction in 2025 and predicted steady then gradually declining unemployment, with inflation easing from an early-year peak toward 2.5%. Williams also noted that Fed officials are divided over further cuts, with expectations centered on just a quarter-point move this year.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the CLARITY Act on July 17, 2025, moving it to Senate review. The bill assigns the CFTC oversight of digital commodity spot markets and preserves SEC authority over investment contracts, with stablecoins treated as commodities on registered venues. The House vote was 294-134, signaling a potential shift in crypto regulation.