Don't Get Left in the Dark: How Crypto Regulations Are Changing in 2026

Crypto regulations are set for significant changes globally in 2026, building on 2025 momentum across the US, UK, and APAC. In the US, the FDIC proposed rules for banks to issue dollar-pegged stablecoins under the GENIUS framework, and the Federal Reserve rescinded guidance blocking banks from crypto activities. Lawmakers are also expected to pass the CLARITY Act, establishing comprehensive guidelines for taxation, asset taxonomy, and issuance. US crypto taxation will see assets held over a year taxed at 0%-20%, while shorter-term holdings face 10%-37% rates; centralized brokerages must report cost basis to the IRS starting January 2026, though decentralized exchanges are exempt.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to finalize crypto rules in 2026, incorporating AML/KYC provisions, consumer protections, and licensing requirements similar to traditional finance. Both the UK and EU have implemented the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) to standardize data collection from exchanges for tax reporting.

In the APAC region, Hong Kong advanced a stablecoin regulatory bill expected to become law in 2026. Conversely, China's central government reiterated its ban on crypto in December, backtracking on proposed stablecoin reforms to instead focus on the digital yuan (CBDC), with commercial banks beginning to pay interest on digital yuan holdings in January 2026.

(Source：Cointelegraph)