Coinbase(US:COIN) PYMNTS.com·2026-01-15 02:17Core Viewpoint - Coinbase has withdrawn support for the Senate Banking Committee's draft market structure bill for digital assets, expressing a preference for no bill over a poorly constructed one [1][2]. Group 1: Legislative Concerns - The Senate Banking Committee introduced a "manager's amendment" to the digital asset legislation, with a markup meeting scheduled shortly after [2]. - Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong highlighted several issues with the draft, including a de facto ban on tokenized equities, prohibitions on decentralized finance (DeFi) that would allow government access to users' financial records, and amendments that would eliminate rewards on stablecoins [3]. Group 2: Industry Advocacy - Armstrong emphasized the need for a level playing field for cryptocurrency within the financial services sector to foster a safe and trusted industry in America [4]. - The company remains optimistic about achieving a favorable outcome through continued efforts and collaboration with stakeholders [4]. Group 3: Political Engagement - Cryptocurrency sector-backed political action committees (PACs) have emerged as significant fundraisers in the 2024 election season, raising approximately $54 million, primarily from corporate expenditures by companies like Coinbase and Ripple Labs [5]. - Armstrong's engagement with political figures, including a meeting with then President-Elect Donald Trump, indicates the industry's active involvement in shaping regulatory frameworks [5]. Group 4: Upcoming Regulatory Developments - March 2025 is noted as a critical period for the Senate regarding cryptocurrency market regulation efforts, highlighting the urgency of legislative action in the sector [6].