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Banks resist trump鈥檚 push for crypto clarity act

Banks Resist Crypto Regulation | Trump Intensifies Calls for Action

By

Aisha Khan

Mar 13, 2026, 12:47 AM

Edited By

Ella Chen

3 minutes reading time

Bank executives discussing Trump鈥檚 Digital Asset Market Clarity Act amidst stacks of digital coins

A growing tension looms as President Trump accuses banks of stalling the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act. This legislative push aims to clarify digital asset categorization, facing resistance from the banking sector which fears competitive disadvantages.

The Stakes for Crypto Legislation

With the introduction of the CLARITY Act, the crypto industry is at a crossroads. The legislation seeks to decide whether digital assets fall under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This decision is pivotal for defining registration requirements for firms, as well as overseeing which products can hit exchanges.

"We need more time to study the details" is a phrase often used but many see it as a delay tactic鈥攐ne meant to protect the traditional banking model that generates significant fee income.

Political Theater or Serious Impediment?

Trump's recent comments on social media mirrored the frustrations felt by many in the crypto community. As one person noted, "Trump demanding action hasn鈥檛 helped much either." Yet, these conflicts reveal a deeper regulatory standoff with vast implications for how digital assets are treated in the US.

Legislative Rubber Band

The GENIUS Act of July 2025 laid groundwork for stablecoins, taking them out of securities and deposit categories. The impending CLARITY Act further represents a broader effort to establish legal frameworks for the entire digital asset market. However, its delay keeps the crypto world mired in a legal gray area.

Key Themes Emerging from the Comments

  • Lobby Influence: Commenters suggest that banks are inclined to resist legislation until they see a personal benefit.

  • Systemic Risks: Participants express concern about how fast banks are moving in response to evolving crypto regulations.

  • Slow Progress: Many see the banking industry's lethargy as political maneuvering rather than genuine deliberation.

Key Takeaways

  • 馃敀 Legislation Timeline: Regulatory clarity remains elusive, affecting the crypto market's evolution.

  • 馃挰 "They will likely keep doing that until there is something in it for them" - Noted commentary from an onlooker.

  • 鈿栵笍 Impact on Banks: The longer this drags on, the more pressure mounts on traditional institutions to adapt.

Implications for the Future

The friction between the banking sector and the crypto world continues, with the deadline for clarity seemingly not in sight. As Trump鈥檚 administration applies further pressure, one must wonder, will the banking giants eventually yield?

In this rapidly-changing regulatory environment, the outcome will significantly shape the future dynamics of crypto operations and its interactions with traditional finance.

Predictions on Crypto Legislation Outcomes

There鈥檚 a strong chance that the push for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act will gain momentum as pressures mount from both the administration and the crypto community. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that Congress will address some form of regulation by late 2026, propelled by growing popular and industry demands for clarity. If the banking sector maintains its resistance, expect a push for alternative frameworks that favor innovation over traditional structures. Additionally, an increasing number of states may step in to fill the regulatory gaps, pushing for more initiatives to attract blockchain companies and investment.

Historical Echoes of Regulatory Standoffs

This situation bears a striking resemblance to the early days of the internet in the late 1990s, when established telecom companies pushed back against emerging digital platforms. Much like banks today, they resisted adjusting to new technologies, fearing disruption to their business models. Eventually, this clash led to a surge in tech innovation as new entrants acquired and transformed the market landscape. Just as the internet shaped global communication, the outcome of the current tussle between banks and the crypto sector could redefine financial interactions for generations.