‘On the Cusp of Law’: CLARITY Act Nears Final Approval, CFTC Chair Says

Published by

Anjali Belgaumkar

February 17, 2026

The U.S. crypto industry could soon see one of its most important regulatory bills become law. According to Michael Selig, Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is now “on the cusp” of final approval.

Speaking about the legislation, Selig said regulators are working to “future-proof our statutory framework for crypto”, adding that officials want to ensure long-term regulatory stability that cannot easily be reversed by future administrations.

Bill Moving Through Final Steps

The Clarity Act has already cleared several major hurdles:

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill in July 2025 with a 294–134 vote.
A related Senate bill advanced through the Senate Agriculture Committee in January 2026.
Negotiations in the Senate are ongoing, with expectations that the legislation could reach the President within the coming months.

Selig said the administration wants to move quickly, stating, “We’re going to get this thing across the line,” signaling confidence that the measure could soon become law.

Why the Market Is Watching Closely

Industry participants have long argued that the absence of clear rules has slowed institutional adoption in the United States. Clear legislation could provide consistent regulatory guidance for exchanges, token issuers, and digital-asset businesses, potentially unlocking broader participation from financial institutions.

Many analysts say crypto markets have been trading at what some call a “regulatory discount,” meaning uncertainty around future rules has weighed on investment flows. If the Clarity Act becomes law, market observers expect the regulatory outlook for digital assets in the U.S. to become significantly clearer, marking a major shift for the sector.

With negotiations now in their final phase, the coming months could determine whether the United States moves toward one of the most comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks yet.

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