Regulators Tighten Grip on Crypto Markets Ahead of 2026 Deadline

This week's regulatory moves will shape crypto trading in the second half of 2026. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agreed to pay Coinbase $150,000 in legal fees to settle a two-year Freedom of Information Act lawsuit tied to records from the agency's earlier crypto enforcement campaign.

The SEC inspector general review found that text messages from former Chair Gary Gensler's device were lost after an automated policy triggered a wipe. The settlement ends the litigation without a court ruling on the underlying FOIA claims.

Russia has set a July 2027 licensing deadline for crypto exchanges, exchange offices, and custodians to obtain licenses. Most provisions take effect in September 2026, requiring domestic crypto transactions to go through authorized organizations, and banks will reject transfers outside the approved framework.

BitMEX announced it will close on September 23rd after a strategic review, ending an 11-year history for one of the platforms that helped popularize crypto perpetuals. The decision may be linked to recent US regulatory developments, which now provide regulated ways for US brokers and exchanges to offer or access perpetuals.

Prometheum named Velocity Capital as its first clearing client, offering an omnibus correspondent clearing service for digital assets. This service lets broker-dealers add crypto and tokenized products without building their own custody systems or connecting directly to wallets and blockchains.

Vietnam will fine individuals who trade digital assets through providers lacking Ministry of Finance approval from September 1st. Fines can reach VND 50 million, rising to VND 100 million for assets reserved for foreign investors.