Clarity Hopes Fade, BitMEX Shuts as Lawsuit Looms: Hodler’s Digest, July 26

The Clarity Act, aimed at regulating crypto, is facing defeat unless both sides compromise on ethics provisions. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated the bill may be brought to a vote before the summer recess, but Democrats oppose the president‑friendly clauses that would expire in 2029 and the enforcement by the Trump‑appointed Attorney General. Law‑enforcement groups such as the National Fraternal Order of Police have signaled support, arguing the bill would not hinder investigations into money laundering, while the Act’s "get out of jail free" provisions have drawn criticism.

Meanwhile, BitMEX, a 11‑year‑old crypto derivatives exchange, announced it will shut down as a class‑action lawsuit accuses it of engineering customer liquidations and seizing nearly 623 BTC. The move comes as trading volumes decline and competition from larger exchanges like Binance and decentralized platforms such as Hyperliquid intensifies. Crypto market data shows the top five platforms now control roughly 80 % of global spot volume, leaving smaller exchanges with shrinking margins. The industry is also grappling with regulatory proposals, including the Clarity Act’s event‑contract rules, and broader discussions about institutional benchmarks and quantum‑risk roadmaps.

(Source：Headtopics)