According to a report today from CNBC, the anticipated CLARITY Act is facing new delays. The U.S. Senate has postponed the review of the bill on market structure until late February or March.
The Trump Factor and Domestic Priorities
This delay responds to a shift in focus by the Senate Banking Committee towards housing regulation, prioritizing domestic economic issues before the November elections, as Trump emphasized in Davos. Despite the president's initial optimism, the political reality has created a prolonged period of regulatory uncertainty.
The Reaction of the Industry and Expert Opinion
The initial delay had already occurred after Brian Armstrong's (Coinbase) withdrawal of support due to concerns about the performance and privacy of stablecoins. Dr. Eleanor Vance, from the Center for Financial Innovation, warns: "This gap may lead to compliance measures... unpredictable or excessively aggressive" from regulatory agencies.
Regulation through Other Means
It is important to note that regulation is advancing outside of Congress. The Department of the Treasury has published an updated guide for DeFi protocols, and the Federal Reserve is exploring the possibility of a digital dollar. The federal government continues to push regulatory initiatives through different branches.
