CLARITY Act Update: Coinbase Declares U.S. Crypto Regulation Momentum Still Surging

Coinbase just threw a spotlight on Washington—and the view's surprisingly bright for crypto.

The Regulatory Engine Is Still Running Hot

Forget the whispers of a slowdown. According to the latest from the exchange giant, the push for clear digital asset rules in the U.S. hasn't lost steam. The political gears, often criticized for moving at a glacial pace, are reportedly still turning with purpose. This momentum cuts through the typical bureaucratic fog, suggesting lawmakers might finally be feeling the heat from a multi-trillion-dollar industry and its voters.

Why Clarity Isn't Just Another Bill

This isn't about adding another piece of legislation to the pile. It's about bypassing the regulatory ambiguity that has forced innovation offshore and left consumers in a gray zone. A definitive framework would hand the industry a rulebook, letting builders construct instead of constantly looking over their shoulder for the next enforcement action. It shifts the conversation from 'is this legal?' to 'how do we excel within the rules?'

The Street's Cynical Take

Of course, Wall Street veterans might smirk—since when has Washington moved swiftly unless a lobbying check cleared or an election was on the line? But even that cynicism acknowledges a powerful truth: money talks, and crypto's voice is getting louder by the quarter.

The bottom line? The fight for a functional crypto market in America is far from over. The momentum is real, the stakes are massive, and the next move belongs to Congress. Let's see if they can finally deliver something more substantial than a hearing.

The long-anticipated U.S. CLARITY Act may be moving more slowly than the crypto industry would like, but insiders say momentum is still firmly intact. Coinbase’s Head of Institutional Strategy, John D’Agostino, recently pushed back against concerns of stagnation, stressing that the bill’s pace reflects its importance. Designed as a foundational market-structure framework, CLARITY is meant to define how digital assets are regulated across the U.S., making it far more complex than earlier crypto legislation.

Why the Bill Is Taking Longer Than Expected

D’Agostino acknowledged growing impatience across the industry but argued that rushing a bill of this scale WOULD do more harm than good. Unlike targeted crypto laws, CLARITY aims to establish clear boundaries between regulators, asset classes, and platforms. That level of coordination, he explained, naturally demands more debate and refinement. From Coinbase’s perspective, lawmakers are laying the groundwork for long-term growth rather than chasing quick political wins.

Global Regulation Is Raising the Stakes

Pressure on U.S. lawmakers is also coming from abroad. Countries across Europe are accelerating crypto regulation, with nations like Spain already implementing rules aligned with the EU’s MiCA framework. D’Agostino warned that the U.S. risks falling behind if it fails to act decisively. Much like artificial intelligence, blockchain is viewed as a transformational technology, and regulatory clarity is increasingly seen as a competitive necessity rather than a constraint.

Institutions Look Past 2025 Toward a Strong Rebound

While regulation remains a focal point, market outlooks are turning increasingly optimistic. According to analysts at Bull Theory, traditional assets significantly outperformed crypto in 2025. Silver surged roughly 160%, while Gold climbed about 66%. Bitcoin, by contrast, ended the year down around 5%, despite strong ETF inflows, steady institutional buying, and ongoing accumulation by major firms.

Historically, periods where crypto lags despite ample liquidity tend to precede sharp catch-up rallies. That pattern is shaping institutional expectations for 2026.

Big Price Targets for Bitcoin and Ethereum

Major financial institutions are already placing bold bets. Standard Chartered sees Bitcoin reaching $150,000 by the end of 2026, while JPMorgan is even more aggressive with a $170,000 target. Citi’s base case sits near $143,000, with a bullish scenario extending toward $189,000. ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood remains the most optimistic, outlining a long-term vision where Bitcoin could eventually reach $500,000 if institutional adoption accelerates.

Ethereum is also drawing attention. Fundstrat’s Tom Lee expects ETH to trade between $7,000 and $9,000 by early 2026, driven largely by real-world asset tokenization.

With a crucial Senate session scheduled for January 15, many see 2026 as a turning point. If CLARITY advances as expected, regulatory certainty could align with rising institutional confidence, setting the stage for crypto’s next major growth cycle.

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

The CLARITY Act is a proposed U.S. law to clearly define how digital assets, platforms, and regulators are classified and overseen nationwide.

Because it sets a full crypto market framework, lawmakers are debating details carefully to avoid loopholes and ensure long-term regulatory stability.

Clear rules could boost institutional confidence, reduce regulatory risk, and support long-term growth across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and crypto markets.

Despite lagging in 2025, strong liquidity, ETF demand, and past market cycles suggest crypto often rallies sharply after periods of underperformance.