Launchy Regulatory Roundup #68 - SEC and CFTC Align on Crypto in 2026

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Welcome to our 68th edition of the regulatory roundup. If you know anybody who would benefit from this content, please help us spread the word!

In Today's Edition:

• Headline: SEC and CFTC Align on Crypto in 2026 👀 

• Global Legal Roundup

• Case Study: Can Congress Pass a Crypto Bill in 2026? 🔎 

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HEADLINE

US House Unveils Bipartisan Crypto Tax Framework

State of play: US crypto regulation in 2026 is expected to shift toward closer cooperation between the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, ending years of regulatory friction.

• The SEC is advancing plans around token taxonomy, exemptions, ETFs, and tokenization, while clarifying that staking and certain crypto activities fall outside securities laws.

• Meanwhile, the CFTC is gaining influence as lawmakers look to place it at the center of crypto market oversight, particularly for BTC and spot crypto products.

• Despite leadership vacancies at both agencies, regulators are expected to keep moving forward with a more coordinated and pragmatic approach to crypto regulation in the US.

What’s Next: Expect more guidance and exemptions rather than headline grabbing enforcement.

Why it Matters: Clearer rules reduce uncertainty. That makes it easier for exchanges, builders, and institutions to operate in the US without constantly worrying about regulatory pushback.

Our Take: The CFTC is gaining influence, the SEC is focusing on structure, and the turf war is fading. If this cooperation holds, 2026 could mark a shift from regulatory drama to steady progress.

GLOBAL LEGAL ROUNDUP

America:

• 🇺🇲 JPMorgan freezes accounts of two stablecoin startups.

• 🇺🇲 Clarity Act delays led to $952M in crypto fund outflows.

• 🇺🇲 Arizona lawmaker proposes barring taxes on crypto and blockchain.

• 🇺🇲 US eyes crypto mining at disputed nuclear plant in Russia-Ukraine conflict.

• 🇺🇲 Lawmakers propose tax break for small stablecoin payments, staking rewards.

Europe:

• 🇪🇺 EU council endorses offline and online versions of digital euro.

• 🇷🇺 Russia considers relaxed crypto rules allowing non-qualified investors to buy tokens.

Middle East & Africa:

• 🇬🇭 Ghana legalizes crypto trading with new law.

APAC:

• 🇮🇩 Indonesia lists 29 crypto platforms as global exchanges explore market.

• 🇯🇵 Bybit to discontinue services for Japanese residents, citing regulations.

• 🇭🇰 HK proceeds with licensing regimes for virtual asset dealers and custodians.

• 🇵🇭 Philippines blocks Coinbase, Gemini amid crackdown on unlicensed VASPs.

CASE STUDY

Can Congress Pass a Crypto Bill in 2026?

State of play: Congress faces a tight window to pass a sweeping US crypto market structure bill in 2026, with industry estimates putting the odds at around 50% to 60%.

• While bipartisan talks continue, progress has slowed after missed Senate hearings and unresolved disagreements.

• Key issues include how to split oversight between the SEC and the CFTC, how to regulate yield bearing stablecoins, and how to handle DeFi and token classification.

• Midterms, possible government shutdowns, and leadership gaps at the CFTC add more risk.

• Lawmakers largely have the first half of 2026 to act before election season takes over.

Our Take: The path is there, but the window is small. Without early progress in 2026, midterms and budget fights will derail momentum. A partial framework is more likely than a sweeping crypto law next year.

Take a peek at our referral reward at the bottom of this issue. Share this newsletter and receive our comprehensive database of crypto regulations around the world👇

NOTEWORTHY READS & MEME

• Raul Carillo’s read on The End of Financial Regulation as We Knew It.

• Chastity Murphy’s read on Inside the Failure to Regulate Stablecoins.

• Ciara Torres-Spelliscy’sread on The Results of the Crypto Bro Elections.

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Disclaimer: All the information presented in this publication and its affiliates is strictly for educational purposes only. It should not be construed or taken as financial, legal, investment, or any other form of advice.