Coinbase Executive Says CLARITY Act Delay Reflects Complex US Crypto Rules

Coinbase says CLARITY Act needs more time due to its broad crypto market structure scope.
The Genius Act moved faster as it focused mainly on stablecoin rules.
Global crypto rules in Europe and the UAE increase pressure on US lawmakers.
CoinShares linked recent crypto fund outflows to delays in US market structure laws.

A senior Coinbase executive has pushed back against criticism over delays in US crypto market structure rules. Speaking on national television, he said the wait reflects the scale of the task. While parts of the industry want faster action, lawmakers face pressure to get the framework right. The comments come as firms watch global peers move ahead with clearer crypto rules.

Coinbase executive explains slower pace of CLARITY Act

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Coinbase executive John D’Agostino said he understands frustration around the CLARITY Act timeline. He made the remarks during an interview on CNBC. He said the bill requires more time due to its scope and structure.

John D'Agostino, head of strategy for @CoinbaseInsto discusses the ongoing delays in the U.S. crypto market structure bill (CLARITY Act):
“I completely understand why this is taking longer. It’s the kind of bill that is quite frankly more foundational for the growth of crypto… pic.twitter.com/EBKhujlPeO
— Subjective Views (@subjectiveviews) January 3, 2026

D’Agostino described the legislation as a base layer for crypto markets. He said such bills cannot move as fast as narrower measures. “I completely understand why this is taking longer,” he said. He added that lawmakers must address market structure in detail to avoid gaps.

Comparison with the Genius Act draws clear contrast

The Coinbase executive compared the CLARITY Act with the Genius Act, passed in July. He said the Genius Act focused on stablecoins. That made it easier to design and approve within one cycle.

UPDATE: Raoul Pal says "speak to the team at Coinbase, any of these people, they're all saying it's all coming. If you're at Coinbase, you know the pipelines of institutions who are going to use your rails to tokenize. Once the CLARITY Act comes, it's free reign." $ADA $NIGHT pic.twitter.com/kA8AYi3CM8
— Angry Crypto Show (@angrycryptoshow) January 1, 2026

He said the Genius Act still required effort but covered simpler systems. In contrast, the CLARITY Act covers trading, custody, and oversight roles. He said market structure bills affect many agencies and market players. That adds review time and negotiation steps.

Political signals suggest progress but no set deadline

D’Agostino’s comments followed statements from David Sacks, who said progress may come soon. In December, Sacks said lawmakers were close to approving the bill. He linked the effort to goals set by Donald Trump.

The Coinbase executive said confidence is growing among industry leaders. He noted that once Congress resumes, talks may speed up. He said lawmakers are aware of global competition. He added that delays risk pushing firms to other regions.

Global pressure and talent shifts add urgency

D’Agostino pointed to Europe’s MiCA rules and progress in the United Arab Emirates. He said these frameworks offer firms legal clarity. That has drawn companies and skilled workers away from the US.

He said the US has already seen a large talent outflow. He said stablecoin rules were rushed to slow that trend. “Part of the rush to get Genius done was to stem that bleeding,” he said. He added that similar pressure may build around market structure laws.

Market reaction reflects ongoing uncertainty

The delay has affected investor sentiment, according to asset managers. CoinShares linked recent fund outflows to regulatory delays. The firm reported $952 million in weekly outflows ending Dec. 19.

CoinShares said unclear rules have weighed on products tied to digital assets. The firm cited uncertainty around the CLARITY Act as one factor. Market participants continue to monitor US policy signals as 2026 begins.