Bernstein analysts say the outlook for crypto markets depends partly on whether the U.S. Clarity Act advances this year. In a scenario where the legislation fails to pass, the firm expects crypto prices to face another leg lower. At the same time, Bernstein anticipates that regulatory activity would likely increase even if the bill does not move forward. The analysts point to U.S. regulators potentially accelerating crypto-related rulemaking efforts, including work linked to the SEC and the CFTC. One outlet reports Bernstein’s view that a lack of legislative clarity could coincide with more market pressure, while also expecting regulators to move faster on rules. Another outlet adds that Bernstein expects the acceleration to occur under “Project Crypto,” a reference to coordinated or focused regulatory workstreams. Overall, both reports converge on Bernstein’s central message: a stalled Clarity Act is viewed as a bearish catalyst for crypto markets in the near term, while the absence of legislation could trigger faster rule development by federal financial regulators.