Over 100 Crypto Firms Push Senate for Progress on US Market Structure Legislation

A broad coalition of US cryptocurrency companies and trade associations has urged the Senate Banking Committee to move forward with the markup of the Clarity Act, a bill aimed at establishing a federal framework for cryptocurrency markets. In a letter addressed to Chairman Tim Scott, Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, Subcommittee Chairwoman Cynthia Lummis, and Ranking Member Ruben Gallego, the coalition emphasized that regulatory stability cannot be achieved through agency actions alone. The letter highlights the risks of reverting to 'enforcement-based regulation', citing a series of court cases initiated by the SEC and CFTC under President Joe Biden's administration. The effort has garnered support from over 100 signatories, including prominent companies such as Coinbase, Circle Internet, Kraken, Ripple, Andreessen Horowitz, and Paradigm, as well as developer groups, state blockchain associations, and university chapters of Stand With Crypto. The coalition has identified six key priorities for lawmakers to address, including the preservation of consumer rewards associated with payment stablecoins, the definition of clear oversight roles for the SEC and CFTC, and the protection of developers building non-custodial tools. Additionally, the coalition advocates for simplified disclosure rules and a federal standard that preempts a patchwork of state laws. The group warns that the absence of US legislation risks driving investment, jobs, and development overseas, as other major jurisdictions like the European Union have already implemented comprehensive cryptocurrency frameworks. According to Ji Hun Kim, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, 'America needs clear, comprehensive rules for digital asset markets. It's a global competition, and it's essential for the US to take the lead.' Kim further emphasized that 'the Senate Banking Committee can build on years of bipartisan efforts and the success of the GENIUS Act by advancing legislation that provides regulatory clarity, robust consumer protections, and strong safeguards for developers. A markup will bring us closer to achieving durable rules that set the global standard for digital asset markets.' However, the Committee has yet to schedule a markup.