Industry executives say expanding institutional use of blockchain today can create a foothold that makes future U.S. policy shifts less likely to undo recent progress.
Push for broader adoption
Yuval Rooz, co-founder and CEO of Digital Asset, told a Token2049 panel that the sector should treat the current regulatory climate as an opportunity to embed blockchain across institutions. By making the technology a core part of financial infrastructure before the next presidential election in November 2028, he believes the industry can reach a point where policymakers find it too entrenched to reverse. Rooz likened the strategy to how Uber and Airbnb secured market dominance before regulators could mount effective restrictions.
Legislative backdrop
The push for adoption comes amid a stalled legislative effort. The CLARITY Act, which sought to provide a comprehensive framework for digital assets, failed to secure a procedural vote in the Senate in September. With the bill stalled, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission continue to shape crypto regulation under their existing authorities.
Industry perspectives
Binance co-CEO Richard Teng expressed optimism that the CLARITY Act could still become law, arguing that clear legislation would reduce the risk of regulatory backtracking and encourage more institutional participants. He identified the prospect of losing current gains as the sector’s “biggest fear.”
Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson echoed the desire for certainty but cautioned against relying on the act’s passage. She noted that the SEC and CFTC are already working to provide the clarity needed for innovation and institutional entry, suggesting that the market can continue to evolve even without a specific legislative package.
Why it matters
If blockchain becomes deeply integrated into institutional finance before the 2028 election, future administrations may face political and economic pressure to maintain the status quo, limiting their ability to impose restrictive measures. Conversely, a lack of widespread adoption could leave the industry vulnerable to abrupt regulatory changes, potentially stalling growth and discouraging investment. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between waiting for comprehensive legislation and leveraging existing regulatory pathways to drive adoption now.
