#Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says the U.S. crypto industry may finally achieve regulatory clarity through the proposed Digital Asset Market Structure Clarity Act.
He made the remarks while marking his 11th anniversary at Ripple, reflecting on the company’s long campaign for clearer digital asset regulations in the United States.
After more than a decade of advocacy, Garlinghouse believes the momentum in Washington indicates that the crypto industry is closer than ever to achieving regulatory clarity.
Key Points
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse says the U.S. crypto industry is approaching a decisive moment in its push for regulatory clarity. He suggested that growing momentum in Washington suggests the industry is closer than ever to achieving clear crypto regulations through the Clarity Act. The Ripple CEO disclosed that the window to pass the Clarity Act is currently open, but warned that the opportunity may not last forever. Despite initially projecting that the Clarity Act would become law this month, recent delays have lowered his confidence in that timeline.
Clarity Act Window Now Open: Garlinghouse
Following meetings with key lawmakers in Washington, including Bill Hagerty and Patrick McHenry, Garlinghouse said the crypto sector is closer than ever to securing clear regulatory rules. He added that the industry’s long fight for regulatory clarity has been worthwhile.
Notably, policymakers are working toward what could become the first comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework for digital assets through the Clarity Act. The proposed legislation aims to define how digital assets are classified and regulated.
As discussions continue, Garlinghouse stressed that the “window” for meaningful legislation, particularly the Clarity Act, is open. However, he warned that this opportunity may not last indefinitely and urged industry stakeholders to act while momentum remains strong.
Why Clear Legislation Still Matters Despite the SEC’s Recent Shift
Garlinghouse expressed a similar view at the Semafor World Economy Summit. During a fireside chat, he pointed to a recent joint statement from the U.S. SEC and the CFTC.
The agencies issued joint guidance that introduced the first formal taxonomy for classifying digital assets under U.S. federal law. Notably, the statement categorized XRP as a digital commodity.
According to Garlinghouse, the coordinated approach between the two regulators could mark the end of what he described as years of regulatory hostility toward the crypto industry. Nonetheless, he emphasized that regulatory alignment without legislation remains fragile.
He warned that a future change in SEC leadership could revive aggressive enforcement policies unless Congress establishes clear statutory guidelines. For this reason, Garlinghouse continues to view the Clarity Act as essential for creating permanent rules governing digital asset classification and oversight.
Ripple CEO Less Optimistic About April Timeline
Earlier in February, he predicted an 80% chance that the bill would become law by April. However, delays caused by disagreements over certain provisions, particularly stablecoin yield restrictions, have reduced his confidence in the timeline.
Despite the slower progress, Garlinghouse believes negotiations may be nearing a breakthrough. He suggested that growing frustration among lawmakers and industry participants could ultimately push both sides toward compromise.
Current Standing
The debate over stablecoin yields has been a major sticking point. Several crypto companies, including Coinbase, have opposed restrictions that prevent stablecoin issuers from offering yield to users, arguing that the rule primarily benefits traditional banks.
The dispute delayed legislative progress, prompting the U.S. Senate Banking Committee to postpone its markup session, initially scheduled for January. Sources now indicate the markup could occur later this month.
According to crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett, lawmakers typically announce markup notices about a week before the scheduled date. Therefore, if they plan to hold the markup in the last week of April, they will likely announce by next week.
In the meantime, recent insider reports suggest that crypto firms and banking executives may have reached a compromise on the stablecoin yield issue. This development could help revive momentum for the Clarity Act.
#CryptoNewsFlash