Cryptocurrency regulations are evolving rapidly, particularly for popular assets like Dogecoin and XRP. After the unveiling of a new draft in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, the potential classifications of these cryptocurrencies alongside renowned leaders like Bitcoin and Ethereum are causing waves. By establishing a framework that assesses assets based on their connection to exchange-traded products, this draft marks a transformative moment for market regulation.
The Implications for Dogecoin and XRP
An important highlight from January 13, 2026, comes from journalist Eleanor Terrett, who pointed out a crucial provision in the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act draft. It stipulates that a token will not be classified as a security if, prior to January 1, 2026, it assumes the role of a primary asset in a recognized exchange-traded product on a national securities exchange in the US.
This condition carries significant weight. If tokens like Dogecoin or XRP meet this criterion, they will escape many compliance obligations tied to securities regulations. This effectively creates a streamlined path for tokens that achieve a defined level of institutional validation through trading products registered under Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Assets such as XRP, Dogecoin, Solana, and others could find themselves on equal footing with Bitcoin and Ethereum right from the start, assuming they fulfill the exchange-traded product requirements. For these particular cryptocurrencies, this is a pathway to escape drawn-out legal ambiguity. The focus shifts from subjective interpretations to a measurable market structure, providing necessary clarity for investors and participants in the digital asset ecosystem.
The Evolution of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act was brought forward in the US House of Representatives in 2025 as lawmakers took steps to resolve years of inconsistent oversight in the cryptocurrency realm. Spearheaded by the House Financial Services Committee, this bill aims to introduce clarity and structure.
Throughout 2025, various discussion drafts were circulated among regulators, industry stakeholders, and legal professionals. The aim was to replace reactionary policies with solid statutory definitions, including the emerging concept of “network tokens,” which are central to the proposed regulations. The draft released in January 2026 marks a significant progression in this effort, focusing on defining practical thresholds for implementation instead of broader regulatory theories.
While the Act is still pending approval, its progress through committee review signifies its importance in the current regulatory landscape. For cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin and XRP, this legislation does not guarantee immediate changes but lays down a transparent benchmark for achieving regulatory equivalence. This shift has the potential to fundamentally change how these assets are evaluated by exchanges and institutional investors navigating the US digital asset market.
