2026 will be a critical test period for whether cryptocurrencies can truly integrate into the traditional financial system. Looking back at the past few years, major economies like the US, UK, and the EU have mainly been busy drafting regulations and setting policies. Now, things are different — the core legal frameworks are gradually being put in place, and the focus of regulation is clearly shifting from legislation to actual enforcement.

Stablecoins, market structure, anti-money laundering, consumer protection, and tax systems will become the main focus of regulation in 2026. The entire crypto industry is officially entering a phase of comprehensive compliance and stress testing.

The US is particularly noteworthy. The full institutionalization of stablecoins is accelerating. The GENIUS Act (U.S. National Innovation Guidance and Establishment Act for Stablecoins), passed in July last year, is expected to officially announce implementation details in July 2026. This legislation is actively working — establishing a complete regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, clarifying mandatory requirements such as capital adequacy, liquidity management, and 100% reserve backing. Issuers may even include traditional banks.

This move is widely understood as the US government finding a balance between innovation and financial stability, while also paving the way for the global status of the US dollar stablecoin.

At the market structure level, the US Congress is pushing forward several bipartisan bills, with the progress of the Clarity Act (Market Structure Clarity Act) being particularly noteworthy.