Brian Armstrong endorsed the latest version of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY) on May 13, 2026, ahead of the US Senate’s Thursday markup. The Coinbase CEO stated the bill has reached a “stronger” bipartisan position after months of negotiations between crypto and banking industries resolved key stablecoin yield disputes. Armstrong called the compromise “healthy,” noting both sides made concessions to reach agreement.
Months of Industry Negotiation Yield Compromise
The CLARITY Act stalled in January 2025 after the crypto industry rejected the initial draft, primarily over stablecoin yield provisions. Senators Tillis and Alsobrooks brokered negotiations between the banking sector and crypto firms over the following months. The revised bill now includes improved DeFi provisions, tokenized stock regulations, and clarified CFTC authority. Armstrong stated: “I think there was a healthy compromise there, brokered by Senators Tillis and Alsobrooks. And you know, it was a good compromise because both sides left a little bit unhappy, but at least we got to a place that we can all live with.”
Public and Industry Support Builds Momentum
Polling data shows broad support for the bill. A HarrisX survey of 2,008 registered US voters found 52% supporting CLARITY Act passage, with only 11% in opposition. The National Cryptocurrency Association surveyed 54,000 respondents, indicating strong industry backing for the compromise framework. Demographic data reveals crypto ownership spans generations: 67% of US crypto owners are below age 45, while 15% are over 55. Approximately 20% of the US population owns crypto, with 52% using digital assets primarily as investments.
Market Structure Bill Addresses Regulatory Gaps
The CLARITY Act establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto market structure, addressing longstanding gaps in US policy. The bill clarifies CFTC authority over digital assets while protecting DeFi innovation and establishing rules for tokenized stocks. This represents the first major bipartisan effort to codify crypto regulation at the federal level. Armstrong’s endorsement signals consensus between major exchanges and traditional finance on a unified regulatory approach, reducing uncertainty for institutional adoption.
Senate Markup Thursday Will Test Coalition
The Senate markup scheduled for Thursday will determine whether the compromise framework survives legislative scrutiny. No amendments have been publicly disclosed, and banking industry representatives have not yet commented on the revised terms. The bill’s passage would establish clear rules for stablecoin issuance, yield mechanisms, and DeFi protocols. Armstrong’s statement suggests Coinbase expects a favorable outcome, though the outcome remains uncertain until the markup concludes.
