The Currency analytics
By Julie Binoche
The Senate Banking Committee pushed back its crypto market hearing. The February 8, 2026 session got delayed after heavy lobbying from digital asset companies worried about new…
Senator Sherrod Brown runs the committee and broke the news Tuesday. "We need more time to ensure comprehensive understanding," Brown said.
Crypto firms went all-out fighting this.
Major exchanges and blockchain groups set up meetings with senators and their staff, trying to get their side heard.
The postponed session was going to feature heavy hitters from financial watchdogs like the SEC and CFTC.
Some lawmakers want strict controls to protect regular investors. Others worry that being too tough will push innovation to other countries.
Past SEC actions against certain tokens sparked big fights over which agency should regulate what. It's messy and companies can't figure out what's legal anymore.
While politicians argue over jurisdiction, the industry keeps pushing for collaboration instead of confrontation.
Brown's office won't say when they'll reschedule the hearing. Getting consensus on how to regulate crypto seems impossible right now, and that's the biggest challenge facing…
On February 2, the Blockchain Association put out a statement about the delay. Kristin Smith, who runs the group, said: "We appreciate the committee's decision to take more time.
States aren't waiting for Washington though. New York's Department of Financial Services announced plans to update its BitLicense framework, trying to make applications easier.
Tech giants want in on the conversation too. A major Silicon Valley company said February 4 it wants to help with regulatory talks, pushing for policies that encourage growth…
The SEC isn't sitting idle either. Chair Gary Gensler announced workshops to gather crypto industry input on February 3.
Europe's making moves that could pressure U.S. lawmakers. The EU just introduced its Markets in Crypto-Assets framework, setting comprehensive crypto regulations that other…
The Digital Chamber of Commerce jumped into the fight February 1, submitting a detailed proposal to Brown's committee.