Ripple chief executive Brad Garlinghouse has revised his prediction on the timeline for the U.S. digital asset Clarity Act, now stating that passage could occur by May 31, 2026, amid ongoing deliberations in the Senate. Ripple, headquartered in San Francisco, is a prominent blockchain-based payments company, best known for its development of the XRP ledger and active engagement in shaping regulatory policy for digital assets in the United States and abroad. Garlinghouse’s views often provide significant insight into the intersection of crypto regulation and mainstream finance.
Updated Timeline Emerges From Exhaustive Negotiations
At the FII Priority Miami Summit, Garlinghouse adjusted his earlier projection, which had given the Clarity Act an 80% chance of clearing the Senate by April 30. He moved this window to the end of May, attributing the delay to the persistence of bipartisan debate rather than any loss of momentum. Throughout his discussion, he emphasized that ongoing discussions are reaching a point where negotiators are showing fatigue, a condition often coinciding with imminent compromise.
Bipartisan Efforts and White House Engagement Highlight Key Barriers
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a well-known proponent of digital asset regulation representing Wyoming, confirmed that bipartisan cooperation remains a prerequisite for moving the Clarity Act forward. She highlighted the continued efforts among lawmakers to find common ground before bringing the bill to a formal vote. Lummis noted legislative teams are focused on policies to safeguard stablecoin rewards and protect community banks from major outflows, reflecting ongoing dialogue both within Senate committees and across party lines.
Garlinghouse referenced support from the executive branch, noting that the current U.S. administration led by Donald Trump has publicly called for clarity in digital asset legislation. He argued that when both legislative and executive corridors demonstrate commitment, the path to consensus becomes clearer, and the potential for passage by late May appears feasible.
Garlinghouse told the Miami audience that “compromise is reached when they are most tired and frustrated,” underlining the possibility of rapid progress as negotiations approach exhaustion. He expressed optimism: “By the end of May, we’ll get something,” indicating his confidence in the process despite shifting timeframes.
Lummis further stated that bipartisan compromise is indispensable for the bill’s advancement, remarking that lawmakers are dedicated to balancing stablecoin innovation while mitigating risks to smaller financial institutions. She underscored that legislative staff are working continuously to address these issues.
Market Sentiment Follows Legislative Developments
Blockchain-based prediction platform Polymarket reflected the uncertain but constructive atmosphere around the bill, placing the probability of Senate approval in 2026 at 60% as of March 27. This matched shifting expectations and persistent negotiations in Washington as the legislative process continued without a scheduled final vote.
Garlinghouse framed the evolving forecast within the broader context of ongoing government and industry engagement. He maintained that, although previous deadlines have slipped, substantial backing persists in both houses of Congress, keeping the prospects for the Clarity Act’s approval alive in the near term.
