Senate Banking Committee Delays Vote on Crypto Bill

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee, led by Chairman Tim Scott, postponed a critical vote on the crypto market structure bill initially scheduled for January 15, amid significant industry lobbying.

This delay heightens uncertainty in the cryptocurrency sector, affecting legislative clarity on DeFi classification, stablecoin yields, and token issuance amid divergent perspectives from key stakeholders.

Senate Postpones Vote Amid Regulatory Battles

If passed, the bill could significantly alter crypto market structures, boosting adoption by clarifying regulatory guidelines. However, opposition from figures like Brian Armstrong highlights potential privacy concerns and the restriction of CFTC authority. Those changes could influence the broader financial landscape, particularly by impacting institutional interest and investment in digital assets.

Market reactions were mixed as the delay caused negative sentiment, noted by leading crypto analysts. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized the importance of finalizing these legislative efforts, suggesting national regulatory clarity is necessary for industry growth.

Mixed Market Reactions and Historical Context

Did you know? In 2025, the GENIUS Act prohibited interest on stablecoin reserves, similar to current proposals impacting DeFi classification. The comparison underscores the crypto regulation complexity.

Ethereum (ETH) experienced fluctuations with a current price of $3,313.96 and a market cap nearing $399.98 billion. Despite a 0.57% rise in the past 24 hours, ETH recorded an 18.01% decline over 90 days. Data sourced from CoinMarketCap highlights trading volume’s significant drop of 42.87%.

The Coincu research team anticipates varied outcomes for crypto markets contingent on legislative developments. They emphasize that while the bill’s passage could enhance regulatory clarity, its failure may delay innovation and integration efforts. Balancing regulatory needs and industry growth remains a pivotal challenge.