The United States could be heading toward a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, whether Congress passes the CLARITY Act or not, according to Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. His com
The United States could be heading toward a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, whether Congress passes the CLARITY Act or not, according to Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.
His comments came after Mike Selig, the 16th Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), outlined plans for the agency to use its existing authorities to establish rules for crypto asset markets if the legislation continues to face delays.
Selig said on X that the CFTC would move forward if the CLARITY Act remains stalled because of what he described as Democratic obstruction. He said the agency owes it to Americans to begin developing a regulatory framework and emphasized that the CFTC would support President Donald Trump’s commitment to establishing a crypto asset market structure.
Sounds like clarity is coming either way:1. 60+ votes in the Senate on September 15th2. Or a new set of rules from the CFTC and SEC on September 16th https://t.co/k1xaG2P4Cg
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) August 21, 2026
In a video accompanying his post, Selig said he had directed CFTC staff to explore rules that could establish a market structure for crypto assets under the agency’s existing authorities.
According to Selig, the proposed framework could allow both existing registrants and certain non-registrant crypto exchanges to receive a designation from the CFTC as a type of designated contract market known as a crypto asset market. These venues could potentially offer leveraged or margin-based crypto trading under rules designed specifically for digital assets and subject to CFTC oversight.
Selig also said he had instructed agency staff to engage with developers of on-chain finance protocols. The objective, he explained, would be to identify ways developers could operate their protocols legally and compliantly in the United States while establishing protections intended to provide greater certainty.
However, Selig indicated that the CFTC would first allow the CLARITY Act additional time to receive a vote. He said that if lawmakers fail to advance what he described as a bipartisan version of the legislation to the President’s desk, he would direct CFTC staff to move swiftly toward proposing the agency’s own rules.
Armstrong responded directly to Selig’s comments with a concise assessment of what could happen next.
“Sounds like clarity is coming either way,” Armstrong wrote, before identifying two potential dates and outcomes. He said the first possibility is that the Senate secures more than 60 votes for the CLARITY Act on September 15. The second possibility, according to Armstrong, is that the CFTC and SEC could make new rules on September 16.
Armstrong’s comment highlights the significance of Selig’s proposed approach. Rather than viewing congressional action as the only route toward greater regulatory clarity, his remarks suggest that federal regulators could pursue a separate framework through existing authorities if legislation does not advance.
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Selig’s statement places additional focus on the legislative process surrounding the CLARITY Act while also establishing a potential regulatory alternative. His comments indicate that the CFTC is preparing to take action if lawmakers cannot reach an agreement on legislation that satisfies both sides of the political divide.
For the crypto industry, the distinction between the two paths could be significant. Congressional legislation would establish a statutory framework, while CFTC and SEC rulemaking could create regulatory requirements through existing agency powers.
Armstrong’s response therefore presents September as a potentially important period for U.S. crypto regulation, with either congressional legislation or regulatory action potentially advancing the industry’s market structure framework.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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