Vote on Digital Asset Market Clarity Act: what's at stake?

With suspicion, the crypto world is eyeing what will finally be decided in the United States.

The proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) and GENIUS Act primarily classify Bitcoin as a digital commodity under CFTC oversight, which means less stringent SEC rules and encourages institutional trading, possibly leading to price increases through increased liquidity and ETF approvals. The laws reduce legal uncertainty, boost Wall Street integration (such as BitGo's IPO), but increase compliance costs for smaller players.

The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is being prepared in the U.S. Senate for a vote in 2026. Senators already unveiled the bill on January 13, 2026, which gives the CFTC authority over spot crypto markets, classifies tokens as securities or commodities, and sets rules for stablecoins (no interest on holdings).

The Senate Banking Committee is discussing it in markup today or tomorrow, despite Democratic opposition; the Agriculture Committee will follow later this month. The House approved a version back in 2025, but Senate negotiations stalled over AML rules and DeFi. However, a final vote could be weeks away due to midterm elections and the housing debate.

The bill should provide clarity for crypto companies, encourage adoption and resolve jurisdictional conflicts between the SEC and CFTC.

(MP/©The Global Money/Picture: Amjith S via Unsplash)