Bernstein expects aggressive SEC and CFTC rulemaking after CLARITY Act setback

Bernstein expects the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission to pursue new cryptocurrency regulations after the CLARITY Act failed to advance. The research firm said the agencies are likely to act aggressively to make up for time spent on negotiations over the legislation. The bill’s cloture vote failed on Tuesday, according to the report. Bernstein’s view points to a possible shift toward agency-led rulemaking after the legislative effort stalled. The assessment is relevant to digital-asset markets because regulatory developments involving the SEC and CFTC can influence the broader policy environment for cryptocurrencies and related projects. Cointelegraph reported Bernstein’s expectation on Sept. 16, 2026. The report did not provide details on the timing, scope or specific content of any potential regulations.