The U.S. Senate Banking Committee will vote in December 2025 on comprehensive cryptocurrency market structure legislation, according to committee Chair Tim Scott on a recent television interview on Fox News.
Summary
- Senate Banking Committee will vote in December 2025 on a bill to regulate crypto markets, designating Bitcoin and Ether as commodities.
- The legislation resolves SEC/CFTC oversight conflict and adds rules for exchanges on customer funds, conflict-of-interest, and disclosures.
- Bipartisan talks continue, with DeFi regulation as a key dispute; Trump expected to sign if passed.
The Bill seeks to establish a unified regulatory framework for digital assets and would formally designate Bitcoin and Ether as digital commodities under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, according to draft text of the legislation. The designation would resolve a jurisdictional dispute between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the CFTC over oversight of digital assets.
The proposed legislation includes requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges to segregate customer funds, implement conflict-of-interest controls, and provide enhanced disclosures. The provisions address vulnerabilities exposed during the collapse of exchanges including FTX, according to the bill’s framework.
Scott stated he plans to advance the legislation to the full Senate in early 2026 if the committee vote succeeds. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law, according to legislative projections.
Bipartisan negotiations continue
Bipartisan negotiations remain ongoing, with regulation of decentralized finance platforms emerging as a primary point of contention. Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns regarding money laundering risks and systemic vulnerabilities associated with DeFi protocols, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The December vote represents a significant development in efforts to create federal oversight standards for the digital asset industry. The legislation comes amid expanding exchange-traded fund markets for cryptocurrencies and increased institutional adoption of digital assets.
