In a recent op-ed for MarketWatch, Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, highlighted the potential risks of restrictive cryptocurrency policies in the U.S. Armstrong cautioned that considering the recent volatility in crypto markets, policymakers might be inclined to dismiss cryptocurrencies as an unstable asset class. However, he argued that such a dismissal could result in the US losing its status as a financial leader and innovation hub, with adversary nations like China potentially reaping the benefits.
Armstrong emphasized that cryptocurrencies should be viewed as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize various sectors. He cited the example of providing creators with royalties for secondary market transactions, showcasing how crypto could modernize finance and other industries, including supply chains and social media. He emphasized the faster, cheaper, more private, and accessible platform that cryptocurrencies offer, comparing their potential impact to that of the internet.
“Crypto, like the internet before it, has the potential to modernize finance and numerous other sectors, from supply chains to social media, by offering a faster, cheaper, more private, and accessible platform.”
U.S. regulations
As a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry and the head of Coinbase, Armstrong has consistently advocated for regulatory clarity to enable the industry’s growth while safeguarding consumers. Coinbase has specifically called for guidance from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the classification of digital assets as securities, pushing against the SEC’s “regulation by enforcement” approach. SEC Chair Gary Gensler has previously argued that existing securities regulations already cover digital assets.
Armstrong pointed out that it comes as no surprise that Hong Kong is positioning itself as a global crypto hub, as China seeks to challenge the U.S.’s role as the global financial leader through initiatives such as the launch of the digital yuan. Armstrong cautioned that the U.S. failure to enact comprehensive crypto legislation would leave it playing catch-up, requiring significant investments to bring back innovation. However, he warned that even with a colossal and sustained effort, it might be too late to regain the lost ground.
