Matt Hougan Warns: Crypto Has Until 2029 to Survive

Crypto News Regulation

Bitwise’s Matt Hougan Warns: Crypto Has Until 2029 to Secure Its Future

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Key Takeaways

Bitwise’s Matt Hougan warns that without a crypto market structure bill, future political shifts could reverse industry progress;
He set 2029 as a deadline for making crypto, especially stablecoins and tokenized assets, part of daily life and finance;
Hougan says clear SEC and CFTC rules could secure growth, while uncertainty would leave crypto’s future tied only to real-world use.

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Bitwise’s Matt Hougan Warns: Crypto Has Until 2029 to Secure Its Future

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Bitwise investment leader Matt Hougan issued a warning on January 28 about what lies ahead if US legislators fail to approve a crypto market structure bill.

He emphasized that the digital currency industry must integrate into everyday life or risk being derailed by shifts in political leadership.

Hougan noted that the proposed legislation, currently under review in two Senate committees, aims to clarify how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversee crypto in the US.

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He explained that such clarity would put today's favorable environment on a firmer legal basis.

He added that without this legal foundation, a future administration could undo progress made. Hougan set 2029, the end of President Donald Trump's term, as a deadline.

Industry players have that timeframe to make crypto part of everyday routines for the public and traditional finance.

Hougan stressed that if stablecoins and tokenized assets, such as tokenized equities, become commonplace during these three years, lawmakers will feel pressure to deliver supportive crypto laws, regardless of political party.

He outlined two possible paths. One path, enabled by legislation that the industry accepts, could spark growth and market confidence.

On the other hand, without a clear law, interest would hinge on real-world use, since regulators could still question crypto's place without adoption.

Meanwhile, Bitwise Asset Management submitted a Form S‑1 registration statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 18. What does the proposal cover? Read the full story.