U.S. 2026 crypto regulation timeline: Senate hearing, Fed chair term end, California licensing

The U.S. crypto regulatory calendar for 2026 includes federal and state milestones spanning Congress, financial regulators and California amid a friendlier policy tilt under Trump's second term, BlockBeats reports. In January, the Senate is expected to hold hearings on a crypto market structure bill that would delineate oversight between the SEC and CFTC if approved; the SEC may also introduce an "innovation exemption" to lower compliance thresholds for startups. Mid-year checkpoints include May 15, when Federal Reserve Chair Powell's term concludes; July 1, when the California Digital Financial Assets Law takes effect with licensing requirements; July 18, the deadline for implementing stablecoin "GENIUS Act" rules; and August, when crypto tax legislation and CFTC blockchain rules are expected to progress. On November 3, U.S. midterm election outcomes could shape the trajectory of crypto legislation, and industry voices contend the country is closer than ever to a clear, unified framework.