Looking ahead to 2026, global cryptocurrency regulation will enter a critical phase. In recent years, major economies such as the US, UK, and EU have focused their policies primarily on drafting regulations and defining institutional frameworks. With core legal frameworks gradually in place, the regulatory focus is clearly shifting towards practical implementation and enforcement. Stablecoins, market structure, anti-money laundering, consumer protection, and taxation have become the main regulatory axes, and the crypto industry is officially entering a period of comprehensive compliance testing. For the crypto industry, 2026 will be a crucial stress test of whether cryptocurrencies can truly integrate into the traditional financial system.
United States: Stablecoins fully institutionalized, Clarity Act outlines structural changes, SEC launches Project Crypto
In the United States, stablecoins are widely regarded as a major milestone in their full institutionalization. The GENIUS Act (National Stablecoin Innovation Guidance and Establishment Act, also known as the Genius Act), passed in July 2025, is expected to have its final implementing regulations officially released in July 2026. This act establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for payment-type stablecoins, covering requirements such as capital adequacy, liquidity management, and 100% reserve backing. Issuers may include traditional banks. This move is interpreted as the US government attempting to strike a balance between innovation and financial stability, while providing institutional support for the global status of dollar-denominated stablecoins.
Regarding market structure, the US Congress is pushing forward several bipartisan bills, with the Clarity Act (Market Structure Clarity Act) attracting the most attention. The core objective of this bill is to clarify the long-standing ambiguity regarding the powers and division of responsibilities between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). If the bill progresses, the CFTC is expected to gain clearer and greater regulatory authority over digital assets classified as commodities, such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), thereby reducing legal uncertainty in the market.
The SEC is also actively pushing for updates to the digital asset regime. The agency is working to establish a formal token classification system to define which digital assets are securities, and is advancing a reform plan called Project Crypto, attempting to adjust existing securities regulations to adapt to the development of blockchain technology. The tokenization of RWA real-world assets has been listed as a key area, and the initial pilot is expected to begin in a controlled environment in early 2026.
Taxation is also a key part of the U.S. regulatory agenda. Substantial progress is expected in federal-level discussions on digital asset taxation, potentially leading to legislation that updates the current tax system's application to crypto assets. At the state level, some regions have begun taking more flexible measures; for example, Arizona is considering tax exemptions for certain virtual currency transactions to attract industry development.
EU: MiCA fully implemented, strengthening anti-money laundering efforts
2026 will be the year the EU fully implements the MiCA (Crypto Asset Market Regulation). With the MiCA officially taking effect, EU national regulators will shift from transitional business registration and entry requirements to a more comprehensive regulatory framework. For example, in Spain, all cryptocurrency service providers must obtain a MiCA license by July 1, 2026, or they will be unable to operate legally.
In addition to MiCA, the EU's new anti-money laundering system will also be implemented simultaneously, enforcing compliance rules for crypto assets, requiring information sharing during transfers, and significantly limiting anonymous transactions. Tax transparency will also be strengthened. Spain is expected to implement the DAC8 tax reporting directive in January 2026, bringing crypto asset transactions under more comprehensive tax supervision.
UK: Independent crypto regulatory framework to be established post-Brexit
Following Brexit, the UK will adopt a relatively independent regulatory system. Under the leadership of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK aims to create a crypto regulatory framework focused on protecting consumers and market integrity. Relevant regulations are expected to be finalized by the end of 2026, establishing the UK's post-Brexit position in the crypto financial sector. (Source: Reuters)
Overall, 2026 marks the transition of the cryptocurrency industry from drafting to implementation. As the framework becomes more specific, industry players will face higher barriers to entry and costs, but at the same time, it may also usher in a more完善的制度 (more complete system) and broader mainstream capital participation.
This article, "The Full Implementation of Cryptocurrency Regulatory Policies in the US and EU in 2026 and the Establishment of an Independent Crypto Regulatory System after Brexit," first appeared on ABMedia ABMedia .
