Breakthrough in CLARITY Act Negotiations: JPMorgan Sees US Crypto Regulations Nearing Completion
The long-awaited CLARITY Act is gaining momentum in Washington, with JPMorgan indicating that negotiations are nearing a breakthrough. In a recent report, the bank stated that discussions among lawmakers and regulators suggest the legislation is almost complete, with only a few unresolved issues remaining. A senior policy official noted that the number of contentious items has decreased significantly, from around a dozen to just 2-3, and that the debate surrounding stablecoin rewards is now progressing in a positive direction. The CLARITY Act aims to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets in the US, including the division of oversight between agencies such as the SEC and CFTC, as well as the treatment of stablecoins and decentralized finance platforms under existing financial regulations. Lawmakers involved in the discussions have expressed optimism, with a Senate staffer stating that the draft legislation is 'very close' to being finalized, and that remaining questions around areas like DeFi oversight and token classification may be resolved soon. One of the most closely watched debates centers on whether stablecoin issuers should be allowed to offer rewards to users, which has drawn opposition from banks citing concerns about replicating deposit-taking without equivalent regulatory safeguards. The latest proposals may find support from both crypto firms and traditional financial institutions, according to JPMorgan. However, the path forward is not without risks, as the final legislative text has yet to be released and no formal vote has been scheduled. The outcome of the 2026 midterm elections could also impact the bill's progress, with some policy experts warning that delays could push the legislation into a more uncertain political environment. Despite these challenges, the direction of progress appears clear, with stakeholders willing to compromise to establish a workable framework. If passed, the CLARITY Act would mark a significant step towards integrating digital assets into the US financial system, providing the regulatory clarity that industry participants have sought for years.