The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, widely known as the CLARITY Act, continues to test the patience of the US crypto industry. However, a senior executive at Coinbase says the delay is both expected and necessary, given the scope of what the legislation aims to achieve.
Speaking on CNBC on Friday, Coinbase’s institutional head of strategy John D’Agostino said he fully understands why the bill has not yet crossed the finish line.
“I completely understand why this is taking longer,” D’Agostino said. “It’s the kind of bill that is more foundational for the growth of crypto or any real asset class.” He added that lawmakers need time because the CLARITY Act addresses the structural core of how digital asset markets should operate in the United States.
CLARITY Act faces deeper complexity than GENIUS Act
D’Agostino contrasted the CLARITY Act with the recently passed GENIUS Act, which became law in July. While he described the GENIUS Act as transformative, he said it focused on issues that were structurally simpler.
According to him, market structure legislation requires lawmakers to define jurisdictional boundaries, compliance standards, and oversight responsibilities across multiple regulators. These factors naturally slow progress but also increase the long-term value of the outcome.
As a result, Coinbase believes patience now could prevent regulatory confusion later, especially as crypto markets grow and intersect more deeply with traditional finance.
White House signals progress in January
Optimism around the bill has not disappeared. Just weeks ago, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks said lawmakers were close to advancing the CLARITY Act early next year.
“We are closer than ever to passing the landmark crypto market structure legislation,” Sacks said on Dec. 19, adding that the administration plans to “finish the job in January.”
Supporters argue that the bill could reduce uncertainty that has driven talent and capital overseas. D’Agostino echoed these sentiments and pointed out that the “massive talent migration” away from the US crypto sector is contributing to the pressure to legislative action.
Market impact and industry reaction
Nevertheless, despite these assurances, delays had impacted market sentiment. Asset manager CoinShares recently linked nearly $952 million in weekly outflows from crypto investment products to prolonged regulatory uncertainty tied to the CLARITY Act.
However, not everyone expects the legislation to move markets immediately. Veteran trader Peter Brandt said the bill, while important, may not significantly affect Bitcoin’s price in the short term.
“Is it world-shaking? No,” Brandt added. “It’s necessary but not value-definiting.”
Looking ahead
Coinbase, as well as most of the crypto industry, is focused on getting the right framework rather than hastened regulation. Even as frustration mounts, it seems CEOs place greater emphasis on having the right framework in place.
If Congress delivers clarity in 2026, the CLARITY Act could reshape how digital assets operate in the US for decades, even if the wait proves difficult in the near term.
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