Crypto Market Structure Delayed 🚨

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee has confirmed it will not hold a crypto market structure markup in 2025, pushing the process to early 2026 after bipartisan discussions.

This delay signals that lawmakers are still negotiating key issues like regulatory clarity, agency jurisdiction (SEC vs. CFTC), consumer protection, and innovation safeguards. While bipartisan talks continue, the absence of a 2025 markup means regulatory uncertainty remains for exchanges, builders, and investors heading into next year.

For the crypto market, this could translate to:

• Slower progress on clear rules

• Continued enforcement-first regulation

• Increased pressure on companies operating in the U.S.

• More time for lobbying and policy shaping behind the scenes

The big question now: Will 2026 finally deliver a clear framework, or just more delays?

SEC releases new Crypto Custody Guidance

The SEC has published a detailed crypto custody guide as part of its broader regulatory shift, breaking down wallet types, custody risks, and best practices for investors navigating digital assets.

Key takeaways:
• Explains the difference between self-custody vs third-party custodians
• Highlights risks tied to exchange failures, hacks, and loss of private keys
• Emphasizes transparency, segregation of assets, and strong internal controls
• Signals a move toward clearer rules instead of enforcement-first actions

This is a notable step toward defining how crypto should be safely held, especially as institutions and retail investors continue to enter the market. Clear custody standards could reduce systemic risk and boost long-term confidence in digital assets.

📌 Regulation is evolving and custody is becoming the foundation.

🇧🇾 Belarus is cracking down on crypto access, announcing a ban on individuals using foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, according to CNN.

The new rules tighten state control over digital asset activity as the government pushes citizens toward locally monitored platforms.
Officials say the move is aimed at preventing fraud, strengthening AML protections, and increasing government oversight but it also significantly limits crypto freedom within the country.

This marks one of the strongest regulatory shifts in Eastern Europe and could signal a broader trend of governments moving to control cross-border crypto flows.