Coinbase CEO Says Crypto Bill Will Pass by Year-End: But Can It?

TLDR

• Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong anticipates that the U.S. crypto market structure bill will pass by the end of the year.
• Armstrong believes both Senate Democrats and Republicans are close to agreeing on key crypto regulations.
• The remaining disagreements center on the treatment of decentralized finance and the protection of stablecoin rewards.
• Armstrong warns that traditional banks are trying to block crypto users from earning legitimate rewards.
• Coinbase urges lawmakers to regulate centralized exchanges, not decentralized protocols and software.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong remains optimistic that the U.S. crypto market structure bill will pass by the end of the year. His comments come amid the ongoing government shutdown, now in its thirty-third day. Armstrong believes that both political parties are near agreement on how to regulate the crypto industry and protect innovation.

Armstrong’s remarks indicate a notable shift in bipartisan support for cryptocurrency regulation. He stated that both Senate Democrats and Republicans are “90% on the same page.” This consensus is critical for clarifying rules on trading, custody, and stablecoin operations. The Coinbase CEO emphasized that this is the closest the U.S. has ever been to clear crypto legislation.

Bipartisan Consensus on Crypto Regulation

Senators have recently reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Crypto Market Structure Bill. Armstrong confirmed that “draft texts are being exchanged between both parties.” He noted that the remaining disagreements are mainly around two key issues. These include the regulation of decentralized finance (DeFi) and how stablecoin rewards should be protected for users.

Despite these challenges, Armstrong remains confident that progress will continue. He explained that the bill is “down to the last 10%,” and both sides are eager to finalize it. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring decentralized protocols and software are not subject to traditional regulatory oversight aimed at centralized entities.

Coinbase CEO Advocates for Clear Crypto Rules

Armstrong voiced concerns about traditional banks attempting to block crypto users from earning legitimate rewards. He cited the recently enacted Genius Act, which reaffirms the legality of stablecoin incentives. According to Armstrong, banks should not be allowed to undermine progress in the crypto space.

Coinbase has urged lawmakers to focus on regulating centralized entities, like exchanges, rather than decentralized protocols. Armstrong stressed that the bill’s passage would ensure that centralized players, such as Coinbase, operate under clear rules. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with lawmakers to create fair crypto legislation.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown and political gridlock, Armstrong remains confident that the market structure bill will pass. He anticipates that the bill will clear its Senate committee stage by Thanksgiving. This timeline sets the stage for a potential full vote before the end of the year.

Armstrong’s vision of a clear regulatory framework is backed by his belief that crypto innovation must be protected. He reiterated that Coinbase would continue advocating for legislation that ensures both security and innovation in the space.

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