Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has voiced strong confidence that the long-debated Clarity Act, meant to establish regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry in the United States, stands a very high chance of becoming law by the end of April. Industry observers suggest that the legislation could finally bring an end to years of uncertainty that have weighed on the American crypto sector.
Congress Advances on Crypto Regulation
According to Garlinghouse, the process in Washington has noticeably accelerated over recent months, with major roadblocks in the Senate starting to ease. He remarked that increasing engagement between industry representatives and the banking sector has helped inject momentum into negotiations on Capitol Hill. The US administration has set March 1 as the formal negotiation period for the ongoing congressional talks.
If passed, the proposed law would finally demarcate the boundaries of authority among US regulators, providing a much-needed legal backbone for financial institutions. Such clarity is expected to pave the way for large financial entities to enter the crypto spot markets with renewed confidence and legitimacy.
Clarity Act Gains Bipartisan Traction
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act—known as the Clarity Act—was passed by the House of Representatives in July 2025 by a decisive 294 to 134 vote, winning support across party lines. Nevertheless, political deadlock over the scope of regulatory authority stalled progress for months in the Senate.
In recent weeks, momentum has returned to the Senate, with collaboration among key regulatory agencies also intensifying. Notably, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins disclosed that the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have launched a joint initiative called “Project Crypto” to coordinate regulatory oversight in the digital asset sector.
Garlinghouse emphasized that Ripple stood out as a leading company last year, and said that as 2026 approaches, the company continues to drive momentum in the industry. He added that CFOs and treasury executives have shown particularly strong interest in the potential uses and benefits of stablecoins.
Stablecoins Remain a Key Point of Debate
While some market participants believe the Clarity Act’s prospects for passage are stronger later this year, the goal of an April approval is seen by some as ambitious. The primary sticking point in the bill remains the issue of stablecoins, with ongoing debates focused on whether digital asset platforms should be allowed to offer yield-like incentives to users—an issue that has slowed progress in the Senate Banking Committee.
Ripple has invested and acquired businesses totaling roughly $3 billion over the past two years, focusing on boosting its custody and treasury infrastructure. These moves are part of a broader industry push to fortify the foundation needed for the coming regulatory shift.
Garlinghouse highlighted the increasing demand from corporate treasury leaders for information around stablecoins and cross-border digital payments, underscoring a growing trend. Yet he noted that significant capital inflow into the sector hinges on a clear, federal regulatory framework—something the Clarity Act is designed to deliver.
