Trump’s Re-Election Sparks New Hope for Crypto, Says Coinbase CEO

Coinbase CEO calls Trump’s re-election a "new crypto era" as Bitcoin surges and the industry anticipates friendlier laws and clear SEC regulations.

Nov 13, 2024 - 00:40
Nov 13, 2024 - 00:41
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Trump’s Re-Election Sparks New Hope for Crypto, Says Coinbase CEO
Trump’s Re-Election Sparks New Hope for Crypto, Says Coinbase CEO

Donald Trump’s re-election has the cryptocurrency world buzzing, with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong calling it the “start of a new crypto era.” The industry, which poured millions into supporting pro-crypto candidates during the election, is hopeful that Trump’s administration could bring big changes—especially in laws and regulations that have often felt restrictive.

Since Trump’s victory, Bitcoin’s value has jumped over 25%, hitting record highs. This surge shows investors’ confidence that the new administration could introduce policies that make the U.S. a more welcoming place for digital assets.

Crypto Leaders Hope for Changes at the SEC

Crypto executives are eager for new leadership at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an agency that plays a key role in regulating the industry. Current SEC Chair Gary Gensler has been strict with crypto companies, and his policies have faced criticism for holding back innovation in the U.S. Many in the industry are hoping that Trump’s administration might replace Gensler or shift to a more open-minded SEC leadership.

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Gensler’s official term lasts until 2026, but it’s common for agency leaders to step down with a change in administration. If Trump does appoint new leadership, it could mean fewer hurdles for crypto companies.

Pro-Crypto Laws in Congress Could Be on the Horizon

Armstrong has also pointed to Congress, saying it could be “the most pro-crypto Congress ever.” With a stronger Republican presence, crypto advocates hope that new laws could be passed to provide clearer rules for the industry. One key piece of legislation, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT 21), already passed in the House with bipartisan support. The act is designed to give digital assets a solid legal framework, balancing innovation with important anti-money laundering protections.

Crypto leaders believe that with more backing in Congress, FIT 21 could finally make it through, which would bring much-needed clarity to the industry.

A More Supportive Environment for Crypto Innovators

Crypto companies have often felt frustrated by what they call the SEC’s “regulation by enforcement” approach, which they say pushes innovation overseas. Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev shared that he thinks the SEC’s policies have stifled interesting projects, and a new administration could help create a more encouraging environment for growth.

Armstrong even envisions a future where companies can issue tokens to raise funds, similar to how businesses sell stocks or bonds. If this happens, cryptocurrencies could play a bigger role in everyday finance, something Armstrong sees as “the next version of the stock market.”

New Ways to Invest: Coinbase 50 Index Launched

As the industry rallies around these possibilities, Coinbase has also introduced the Coinbase 50 Index, which tracks the 50 top cryptocurrencies on its platform. Like traditional stock indexes such as the S&P 500, the Coinbase 50 Index will allow investors to keep an eye on the biggest players in crypto. Bitcoin and Ethereum currently make up the largest portions, and the index will be updated quarterly to reflect market changes.

With Trump’s re-election, the industry is hopeful for a new chapter in crypto regulation. By establishing friendlier policies and clearer rules, the U.S. could become a leader in the crypto world, driving more innovation and giving digital assets a strong foundation for the future.

Also Read: How the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF Makes Bitcoin Investing Easy

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