Coinbase Research Chief Predicts Passage of Landmark Crypto Bill as Industry Lobbying Intensifies in Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A pivotal meeting is underway today at the White House, hosted by Crypto Czar David Sacks, bringing together major banking associations, cryptocurrency trade groups, and executives from Coinbase. The agenda: breaking the legislative logjam surrounding the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025, commonly known as the CLARITY Act.
The bill, which cleared the House of Representatives last year but has since languished, is seeing renewed momentum. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins has recently urged Congress to act, adding regulatory pressure to the intense industry lobbying effort.
In an exclusive interview with 99Bitcoins.com, David Duong, Head of Global Research at Coinbase Institutional, struck a decidedly optimistic tone. "I am optimistic that the bill will pass in 2026," Duong stated. He pointed to the recent establishment of stablecoin oversight as a precedent, suggesting that comprehensive market structure rules are the next logical step.
"Prediction markets have shifted from 20% to 60% odds of passage," Duong noted, countering the narrative that key players have abandoned the negotiation table. "No one has walked away from this. I think there's still bipartisan support."
He acknowledged the bill became a "Christmas tree" laden with unrelated policy initiatives, straying from its original intent. However, he sees a path forward through compromise on the six major outstanding issues. The support, he argues, transcends party lines, with a significant pro-crypto bloc already existing in both chambers of Congress.
"Clear regulatory frameworks are unlocking institutional participation," Duong emphasized, transforming compliance from a barrier to an enabler. He cited Morgan Stanley's recent move to allow its advisors to recommend crypto as evidence of Wall Street's readiness, contingent on regulatory clarity.
Analyst & Investor Reactions:
"Duong's confidence is well-founded," says Marcus Thorne, a policy analyst at the Digital Finance Institute. "The pressure from traditional finance is a game-changer. They've waited on the sidelines long enough and are now a powerful voice for clarity."
Eleanor Vance, a portfolio manager at a hedge fund, offered a more measured take: "The optimism is refreshing, but the timeline is still aggressive. The 'Christmas tree' problem is real, and stripping it back will be messy. I'd place the odds closer to 40% for 2026."
In a sharp critique, Dr. Aiden Cross, a professor of economics and vocal crypto skeptic, stated: "This is just another round of hype from an industry desperate for legitimacy. The CLARITY Act is a Trojan horse. Passing it won't 'unlock' sound investment; it will simply legitimize a speculative casino before proper investor protections are cemented. Wall Street's interest isn't an endorsement; it's a predation."
Riley Chen, a retail investor and founder of a crypto education platform, countered: "The constant uncertainty is the real barrier. Even imperfect clarity is better than the current vacuum. Duong is right—the administration and Congress know the U.S. is falling behind. This isn't about red or blue; it's about greenbacks and global competitiveness."
The outcome of today's discussions and the subsequent legislative maneuvering will be a critical test of whether the fragmented U.S. crypto industry and its Wall Street allies can finally secure the regulatory foundation they have long sought.