Key Takeaways:
- Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says bipartisan momentum is building in the Senate for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, aiming to clearly define SEC and CFTC roles in crypto regulation.
- Armstrong and other major crypto executives, including from Ripple, Kraken, and a16z, met with lawmakers in DC to push for regulatory clarity and innovation protection.
- Separate efforts are also underway to promote a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, with advocates proposing the U.S. acquire up to 1 million BTC over five years.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong voiced strong optimism about the progress of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act following recent meetings in Washington, DC.
The bill seeks to clarify regulatory oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regarding digital assets, particularly non-stablecoin tokens like tokenized equities.
I was in DC the last few days working to get MARKET STRUCTURE legislation passed for crypto. This is how we ensure the crypto industry can be built here in America, driving innovation and protecting consumers, and making sure we never have another Gary Gensler trying to take your… pic.twitter.com/UqCH8jCNU8
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) September 18, 2025
Armstrong emphasized that bipartisan support in the Senate gives the legislation momentum, calling it a “freight train leaving the station.”
He noted the draft is being revised and will soon be released for public industry feedback. Senator Cynthia Lummis has suggested the Act could reach President Donald Trump’s desk by year-end.
Executives from Ripple, Kraken, Circle, Cardano, and major venture firms including a16z and Paradigm joined the discussions, underscoring industry-wide engagement.
Kraken CEO Arjun Sethi stressed the need to safeguard innovation and ensure fair incentives for builders.
Armstrong also criticized banking groups’ attempts to restrict yield-bearing stablecoins, pointing out that similar measures had already failed.
Meanwhile, crypto advocacy in Washington is broadening, with 18 Bitcoin proponents, including Michael Saylor, pitching a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve proposal to lawmakers.