Global crypto regulatory landscape to shift significantly in 2026

The global cryptocurrency regulatory environment is entering a major transition phase this year, with significant changes expected across the industry as the U.S., UK, and Hong Kong move to formalize their institutional frameworks, Cointelegraph reported. In the U.S., the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) released a draft framework late last year that would permit the issuance of dollar-pegged stablecoins. Under the proposal, banks could issue stablecoins through subsidiaries and would be subject to financial soundness reviews. The Federal Reserve (Fed) has also withdrawn its guidance restricting banks from engaging in crypto-related activities, enabling them to offer services such as custody and payments starting this year. Additionally, the market structure bill known as CLARITY is nearing passage. Meanwhile, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority is set to announce its final cryptocurrency regulations, which will fully implement anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), consumer protection, and licensing systems. Hong Kong is also advancing a stablecoin regulation bill, aiming for its implementation this year.