Momentum is rapidly building in Washington around the long-debated CLARITY Act, a sweeping piece of legislation that could finally define how digital assets are regulated in the United States. What was once another stalled crypto bill is now emerging as a central policy battleground – backed not just by industry insiders, but by some of the most influential figures across government, finance, and blockchain.
From the U.S. Treasury to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and from Capitol Hill to leading crypto advocates, a rare alignment is taking shape. At stake is more than regulatory clarity, it is the future of financial innovation and whether the United States can maintain its leadership in a rapidly evolving global system.
A Turning Point for U.S. Crypto Policy
The latest push behind the CLARITY Act was catalyzed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who urged Congress to move the bill forward without delay. His argument is simple but powerful: without a coherent federal framework, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge as crypto innovation migrates to more accommodating jurisdictions.
Bessent’s warning reflects a growing consensus that regulatory ambiguity has become a structural disadvantage. Countries like Singapore and Abu Dhabi have already established clearer digital asset rules, attracting capital, talent, and infrastructure that might otherwise have remained in the U.S.
His call to action, framed in both policy urgency and economic strategy, has sparked a wave of endorsements that could mark a decisive shift in the legislative trajectory of crypto regulation.
A turning point for U.S. crypto policy
Industry and Policy Leaders Align
Among the most notable supporters is crypto lawyer Jake Chervinsky, who described the CLARITY Act as “the most urgent policy priority in DC right now.” His endorsement carries weight, particularly given his historically measured stance on regulatory proposals.
Chervinsky’s argument hinges on the evolution of the bill itself. Earlier drafts faced criticism over issues like stablecoin yield restrictions and DeFi oversight. However, recent revisions appear to have addressed key concerns, transforming the legislation into what he now considers a “must pass.”
At the regulatory level, Paul Atkins has signaled readiness for implementation. His comments suggest that both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are prepared to act swiftly once Congress provides legal clarity.
This alignment between lawmakers and regulators is significant. Historically, fragmented jurisdiction between agencies has been one of the biggest obstacles to coherent crypto policy. The CLARITY Act aims to resolve this by clearly delineating when a digital asset qualifies as a security versus a commodity, arguably the most contentious issue in U.S. crypto regulation.
Industry and policy leaders align
The Strategic Case: “American Rails” for Global Finance
Beyond regulatory mechanics, the CLARITY Act is increasingly being framed as a strategic imperative. Patrick Witt emphasized that the U.S. became the world’s financial center by leading through technological transformation, and must do so again.
His vision is rooted in maintaining financial sovereignty. By ensuring that digital asset infrastructure is built on “American rails,” backed by domestic institutions and denominated in U.S. dollars, the country can extend its dominance into the next era of finance.
This perspective is echoed by Senator Cynthia Lummis, one of the most vocal crypto advocates in Congress, and David Sacks, who has positioned the CLARITY Act as a necessary complement to the previously passed GENIUS Act.
Together, these voices are reframing the debate. The question is no longer whether crypto should be regulated, but whether the U.S. will lead or follow in shaping the rules of the digital economy.
Stablecoins, Yield, and the Banking Debate
One of the most contentious issues within the CLARITY Act has been the treatment of stablecoin yield. Banks have argued that allowing crypto platforms to offer yield on stablecoins could trigger “deposit flight,” reducing their lending capacity.
However, a recent report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers challenges this narrative. According to its findings, banning stablecoin yield would increase bank lending by just $2.1 billion, roughly 0.02% of total lending, while imposing an estimated $800 million welfare loss on consumers.
This data undermines one of the banking sector’s core arguments. If the impact on lending is negligible, the rationale for restricting yield becomes significantly weaker.
The underlying reason lies in how money flows through the system. When users convert funds into stablecoins, those dollars are typically invested in safe assets like U.S. Treasuries. The proceeds from those assets then re-enter the banking system, effectively redistributing, not removing – liquidity.
In other words, the competition is not about the existence of deposits, but about control over the user interface and financial experience.
A Shift in Competitive Dynamics
Stablecoins are fundamentally reshaping the financial landscape by moving the user experience away from traditional banks and into digital wallets and platforms. This shift has profound implications.
Banks risk losing not just deposits, but also transaction fees, customer relationships, and their role as the primary interface for financial activity. Yield plays a crucial role in this transformation, making stablecoins more attractive to hold rather than merely use for transactions.
If yield is restricted, stablecoins may become less “sticky,” reducing their appeal. However, the demand for yield is unlikely to disappear – it would simply migrate to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms or offshore markets.
This raises a critical policy question: should regulators attempt to suppress these dynamics, or integrate them into a controlled and transparent framework?
The CLARITY Act appears to lean toward the latter, seeking a balance between innovation and oversight.
Opportunities for Smaller Banks
Interestingly, not all banks view stablecoins as a threat. Some industry leaders argue that they could level the playing field for smaller institutions.
Unlike large banks with extensive payment infrastructure, smaller banks often rely on intermediaries for cross-border transactions, resulting in higher costs and slower processing times. Stablecoins could provide a shared infrastructure, enabling faster and cheaper payments without requiring massive capital investment.
Faryar Shirzad has highlighted this potential, suggesting that stablecoins could enhance competition and expand access to financial services.
If the CLARITY Act successfully integrates stablecoins into the broader financial system, it could unlock new efficiencies while preserving systemic stability.
Opportunities for smaller banks
Political Momentum and Market Signals
The growing support for the CLARITY Act is already influencing market sentiment. Prediction platforms like Kalshi have seen a notable increase in the perceived likelihood of U.S. crypto legislation passing before 2027, jumping from around 55% to 70% following the release of the CEA report.
This shift reflects more than speculation – it signals that investors and stakeholders believe the political environment is finally aligning in favor of comprehensive crypto regulation.
The convergence of industry advocacy, regulatory readiness, and economic analysis creates a powerful narrative: the time for action is now.
What Comes Next?
Despite the growing momentum, significant challenges remain. The CLARITY Act must still navigate the complexities of the legislative process, including debates over specific provisions and potential amendments.
A likely outcome is a compromise – one that allows limited forms of yield while imposing safeguards to protect consumers and maintain financial stability. Such a middle ground could address the concerns of both banks and crypto advocates, paving the way for broader adoption.
Ultimately, the success of the CLARITY Act will depend on whether lawmakers can reconcile competing interests and deliver a framework that is both flexible and durable.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Digital Finance
The CLARITY Act represents more than just another piece of legislation – it is a test of whether the United States can adapt to a new financial paradigm.
With backing from figures like Scott Bessent, Jake Chervinsky, Paul Atkins, and Cynthia Lummis, the bill has gained unprecedented momentum. The alignment of policy, industry, and economic analysis suggests that a breakthrough may finally be within reach.
If passed, the CLARITY Act could provide the regulatory foundation needed to keep innovation onshore, protect investors, and ensure that the next generation of financial infrastructure is built within the United States.
If it fails, the consequences may extend far beyond crypto, reshaping the global balance of financial power for years to come.
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