Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong expressed strong optimism about the passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act after meetings with lawmakers in Washington, DC this week. Armstrong stated that he has never been more confident in the bill’s chances since his time in government discussions.
What is the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act?
The bill aims to clarify regulatory roles in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, particularly for non-stablecoin assets such as tokenized stocks. It seeks to define the responsibilities of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and other financial authorities.
Armstrong emphasized, “This legislation ensures the crypto industry can thrive in the U.S., driving innovation while protecting consumers, and preventing overreach by regulators.” He added that lawmakers are determined not to allow the banking industry to restrict interest on stablecoins, a measure that could hinder growth in DeFi and yield-bearing products.
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
Strong Bipartisan Support
Armstrong noted that the bill enjoys strong bipartisan backing, with members of both parties ready to advance it. The draft is currently circulating among industry participants for public input before formal submission. Armstrong likened the momentum to “a freight train leaving the station,” highlighting the bill’s strong forward movement.
Senator Cynthia Lummis predicted earlier this month that the CLARITY Act could reach President Donald Trump’s desk for signing before the end of the year.
Supporting Builders: Kraken CEO’s Perspective
Arjun Sethi, CEO of Kraken, emphasized that the legislation should prioritize crypto builders and developers. “The real goal is to protect the right to build protocols, chains, tokenized equities, utilities, and ensure incentives remain with builders, not just incumbents,” Sethi said during the roundtable discussions.
Stablecoin Interest Restrictions
Armstrong also pointed out that past attempts by banking groups to restrict interest on stablecoins, as proposed in the GENIUS Act, were unsuccessful. Lawmakers are committed to ensuring that interest-bearing stablecoins continue to operate, preserving DeFi and other crypto yield opportunities.
Bitcoin Reserve Bill Gains Momentum
The week also included discussions on the BITCOIN Act, sponsored by Senator Lummis, which proposes a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the U.S. government. Leaders including Michael Saylor and other Bitcoin experts suggested acquiring 1 million BTC over five years through budget-neutral strategies, such as re-evaluating Treasury gold certificates and tariff revenues.
Conclusion
Following his meetings in DC, Armstrong expressed that the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act has a high likelihood of passing, marking a significant step for U.S. crypto regulation. The bill is designed to clarify regulatory authority, protect developers and consumers, and support innovation. Combined with ongoing discussions about stablecoin interest and a potential strategic Bitcoin reserve, these developments signal strong momentum for the U.S. crypto market in 2025.
