US crypto regulatory clarity is achievable if Congress and regulators pass a cohesive market‑structure bill within the next two years; swift action is needed to prevent the US from losing competitive ground to the EU, APAC and the Middle East.
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Immediate action: pass clear market‑structure rules within two years to preserve US crypto leadership.
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Stakeholders warn delay risks ceding business and innovation to jurisdictions with faster frameworks (EU MiCA, APAC).
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Panel consensus at Wyoming Blockchain Symposium: bipartisan momentum exists but the window is narrowing ahead of 2026.
US crypto regulatory clarity: policymakers must act swiftly to secure market‑structure rules before 2026 midterms — read COINOTAG’s concise analysis and next steps.
The panelists agreed that it is not too late for the US to catch up to other jurisdictions, but urged swift crypto regulatory legislation.
The Wyoming Blockchain Symposium panelists agreed the United States can still close the gap on global crypto frameworks, but stressed that the opportunity is limited and requires immediate legislative and regulatory action. US crypto regulatory clarity hinges on rapid passage of a market‑structure bill and coordinated agency guidance.
Panelists at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium said it is not too late for the United States to catch up to the crypto regulatory frameworks in other regions, but warned that inaction might lead to stagnation and the US falling behind other countries.
“I don’t think it’s too late, even with the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) in the European Union (EU),” Sylvia Favretto, general counsel and corporate secretary at Mysten Labs, the developer behind the Sui network, said.
However, she added that the window of opportunity is “small” and urged immediate action. Stuart Alderoty, chief legal officer at Ripple, said:
“If we seize on the opportunity now and get the market structure right, I think we win. If we don’t get the market structure right and the switch flips back to a more hostile policy or regulatory environment, I think there is a very credible risk that we will lose out to the EU, to APAC, or maybe even to the Middle East.”
Pictured from left to right, CNBC host Talia Kaplan as moderator, Miles Jennings, head of policy and general counsel at a16Z, Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association, Stuart Alderoty, Ripple chief legal officer and Sylvia Favretto, Mysten Labs general counsel. Source: Wyoming Blockchain Symposium
What is the current US timeline for crypto regulatory clarity?
The US has roughly two years to enact cohesive crypto market‑structure rules before the 2026 midterms materially change legislative dynamics. Congress and the executive branch must move quickly to translate bipartisan interest into statute and coordinated agency frameworks.
How did panelists describe the legislative window at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium?
Speakers said momentum exists but is time‑limited. Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association, cautioned that achieving consensus can be slow, especially as lawmakers focus on re‑election. Joe Doll, general counsel at Magic Eden, noted the practical challenge that midterm cycles often shift priorities away from complex policy reforms.
Why does market structure matter for US crypto competitiveness?
Market structure defines custody, trading, custody separation, and licensing rules that determine where businesses build and operate. Clear, consistent rules reduce compliance costs and legal uncertainty, attracting capital and talent.
What comparative timelines and approaches are we seeing internationally?
EU MiCA provides an accelerated, uniform approach across member states. Several APAC jurisdictions have adopted pragmatic licensing and sandbox regimes. The Middle East has used targeted incentives and regulatory clarity to attract firms.
| EU | MiCA: uniform rules across member states | Favors cross‑border firms within EU |
| APAC | Sandbox + licensing flexibility | Encourages rapid piloting and local growth |
| Middle East | Targeted incentives, regulatory clarity | Attracts headquarters and capital |
How can US policymakers act quickly and effectively?
Lawmakers should prioritize a market‑structure bill that clarifies custody, securities status, and stablecoin rules, combined with coordinated agency guidance. Bipartisan drafting, stakeholder engagement, and sunset review periods can accelerate passage and reduce political risk.
How to structure immediate regulatory steps (practical checklist)
- Draft bipartisan market‑structure legislation clarifying key market definitions.
- Coordinate SEC, CFTC and Treasury guidance to align enforcement priorities.
- Establish regulatory sandboxes for fast‑track testing of custody and token models.
- Include investor protections and anti‑fraud safeguards to maintain trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the US still catch up to the EU and APAC on crypto rules?
Yes. Experts at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium said the US can catch up if Congress and regulators act within two years to pass clear market‑structure rules and provide coordinated agency guidance.
What are the biggest risks of delaying crypto legislation?
Delays risk losing capital, talent, and business formation to jurisdictions with earlier clarity. Prolonged uncertainty also increases litigation and enforcement actions, which raise compliance costs.
Who are the main stakeholders urging quick action?
Speakers included industry legal leads (Mysten Labs, Ripple, Magic Eden), trade group leaders (Blockchain Association), and policy experts advocating swift bipartisan policy work.
Key Takeaways
- Window is narrow: Two years is the practical timeframe to pass market‑structure rules before 2026.
- Bipartisan opportunity: Current congressional composition provides a pathway but requires swift coordination.
- Action items: Draft clear legislation, harmonize agency guidance, and deploy sandboxes to preserve US competitiveness.
Conclusion
Panelists at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium agreed the US can achieve crypto regulatory clarity if lawmakers and regulators act decisively now. Passing a market‑structure bill and aligning agency approaches will be critical to retaining leadership in crypto markets. COINOTAG will monitor legislative progress and updates.
