The UK Financial Conduct Authority entered the final phase of its crypto consultation, asking for feedback on consumer responsibility rules by March 12, 2026. Licensing applications for cryptoasset firms are expected to open in September 2026, with a broader framework targeted for October 2027. Proposals emphasize good faith, prevention of foreseeable harm, and helping users achieve financial goals.

In 2025, under Chairman Paul Atkins, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reduced its cryptocurrency enforcement actions by 60%, concentrating on fraud and direct investor harm while scaling back broad registration cases. The agency brought only 13 crypto-related actions and cut monetary penalties by $142 million from the prior year, coinciding with dismissals involving platforms such as Coinbase and Binance. As of January 23, 2026, Ethereum is trading at $2,960.55 amid heightened volatility and an evolving regulatory approach.

BitGo Holdings went public on the New York Stock Exchange on January 22, 2026, pricing its IPO at $18 per share and raising about $212 million. The deal included 11,026,365 new shares and 795,200 from existing holders, with Goldman Sachs and Citigroup managing the offering. The stock traded as high as $24.50 before closing at $18.25.

The Senate Banking Committee postponed markup of the U.S. Crypto Market Structure Bill to prioritize housing, with timelines potentially extending to late February or March. The Senate Agriculture Committee’s version remains on schedule, with a vote expected on January 27. Stakeholders cite concerns over amendments affecting CFTC authority and stablecoin provisions.

On January 21, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said he plans to reengage with decentralized social networks by 2026 and has begun using Firefly.social. He criticized crypto social projects for leaning on speculative tokens and urged community participation to prioritize content and long-term utility. He also signaled optimism toward Lens following its acquisition by Mask Network.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong addressed speculation about the Trump administration's stance on the crypto market structure bill, stating the White House remains engaged in discussions with banks on community-focused solutions. Following Armstrong's criticism of the Senate Banking Committee's draft, which he argued threatens CFTC authority and stablecoin rewards, Senate Chairman Tim Scott postponed further consideration of the bill. Bitcoin traded around $95,132.21 on January 18, 2026, while analysts warned that potential changes to the bill could reshape stablecoin rules and CFTC oversight.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has withdrawn support for the Crypto Markets Structure Act, prompting a public split among U.S. crypto executives over regulatory strategy. Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott postponed a markup and seeks to address concerns before month's end, while industry figures urge negotiations to resolve issues around stablecoin yields and DeFi.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on European imports via Truth Social, taking effect on February 1. Rates begin at 10% and could rise to 25% by June 2026, contingent on a Greenland purchase. The EU is preparing an emergency meeting to weigh responses, and countries named include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.

On January 18, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong denied reports that the White House might withdraw support for a U.S. crypto market structure bill, saying talks remain active. He flagged disputes over stablecoin yields and warned of regulatory capture by banks, while policymakers and industry voices weighed potential market impacts.