The cryptocurrency market, which saw a strong surge earlier this year, has recently lost momentum as investors began to take profits.
Summary
The crypto sector is currently uncertain ahead of the forthcoming CLARITY Act markup session.
Senator Tim Scott has officially announced that the markup will occur on January 15.
It is unlikely that the CLARITY Act will trigger a significant rally in the crypto markets.
Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a decline from its year-to-date peak of $94,500 down to around $90,000. Similarly, major altcoins such as Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) have also seen price pullbacks over recent days.
The CLARITY Act Markup Scheduled for January 15
Next week will be pivotal for cryptocurrencies as investors anticipate reactions to the Market Structure Bill’s upcoming markup. This legislation aims to simplify regulations within the crypto industry.
This session was confirmed by Senator Tim Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. He emphasized that this bill is crucial for positioning the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency innovation and adoption.
Chairman @SenatorTimScott is advancing digital asset market structure legislation — establishing clear guidelines that protect everyday Americans, foster domestic innovation, and enhance U.S. national security.
Read his statement regarding next week’s markup ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mWBTqwgVsS
— U.S. Senate Banking Committee GOP (@BankingGOP) January 10, 2026
The primary objective of this bill is to delineate responsibilities between two regulatory bodies: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Most cryptocurrencies would fall under CFTC oversight—a regulator generally viewed as more favorable compared to SEC supervision.
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The SEC’s jurisdiction would mainly cover token sales and cryptocurrencies funded through such mechanisms.
This new legislation follows last year’s GENIUS Act passed in Washington D.C., which introduced regulations targeting stablecoins like USDC and USDT. Concurrently, the SEC has adopted a softer stance toward crypto regulation by approving ETFs and reducing litigation efforts significantly.
Could This Market Structure Bill Spark Another Crypto Rally?
A key question among investors remains whether this bill can ignite another upswing in cryptocurrency prices.
Despite its significance, it likely won’t produce an immediate rally similar to what followed after passing of GENIUS Act because most market participants already expect its approval—the probability on Polymarket exceeds 80%. Consequently, there may be selling pressure once news breaks out (“sell-the-news” effect).
Additionally,the bill does not directly affect major coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum right away but may influence companies launching tokens domestically within U.S. borders instead.
It's importantto notethat despite regulators' friendlier approach,the overallcrypto space remains entrenchedin abearmarket.For instance,XRP's value plunged evenaftertheconclusionofthesec-vs-ripple lawsuit.
Nevertheless,thecryptomarketstillhas potentialfor growththisyearasindicatorslikeFearandGreedIndexapproachgreedterritory,anddecliningfuturesopeninterestappearsstabilizing.Moreover,furtherinterest rate cutscouldstimulateadditionalupside.
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