As crypto walks faster with new ventures and developments, there is one major backbone that makes it firm and evolving. Crypto regulations or crypto bills have always played a vital role in boosting the industry with trustworthy firms and increasing investor confidence. At least, this adds to one of the root causes for crypto growth in 2025 At least, this adds to one of the root causes for crypto growth in 2025, besides pro-crypto governments.
As we move on, here are some key crypto regulations and bills that are worth watching in 2026.
Crypto market structure draft bill
Remember the days when Senator Cynthia Lummis echoed to consider the crypto market structure bill before 2025 ends? This bill includes clear rules defining digital asset categories, distribution of oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), rules for intermediaries, and good standards of conduct.
STABLE Act
The STABLE Act (Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy Act) was introduced in the House of Representatives in March 2025; however, it is not yet live as a standalone law. Many provisions in the STABLE Act
was integrated into a different bill called the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act).
Hong Kong stablecoin licensing rules
Like the US and the UK, Hong Kong, predominantly a crypto-friendly jurisdiction in China, is building a significant licensing regime for fiat-denominated stablecoins. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is responsible for supervising the stablecoin licensing regime.
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF)
CARF is a tax transparency rule to combat tax evasion globally. Recently, over 40 countries have started exchanging data on crypto-related activities with tax authorities. The CARF rule has not yet been implemented, although authorities have started collecting data; however, it will come into complete existence this year.
To evaluate and enforce proper taxes, the authorities will collect information from crypto service providers, related to buying and selling, tax residency, swap trades, profits and losses, and wallet addresses.
MiCA framework in Europe
The European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework was already launched in 2024. This comprehensive regulatory framework has played a significant role in shaping the crypto industry of the member states in the European Union.
The rulebook is relevant in 2026 because member states can allow crypto asset service providers to operate until July 2026. After this period, authorities can either approve or disapprove crypto firms based on the rules and regulations under MiCA.
Bank of Russia’s crypto regulation
Last month, the Bank of Russia issued a concept for regulating cryptocurrencies in the country, which will allow both qualified and non-qualified investors to access crypto assets. Although Russia is comparatively less competitive in crypto, its latest strides signal the government’s intense passion for the blockchain industry.
The Bank of Russia has revealed a timeline to launch a single comprehensive crypto trading framework in mid-2026.
This year, the crypto landscape is expected to see major regulations rushing into the industry as more firms, institutional investors, and governments are on the way to integrate and accept cryptocurrencies. If 2025 had comprehensive regulatory frameworks, this year is expected to see some of their complete implementations, which would make crypto safer and secure.
