Republican Lawmakers Push Crypto Regulation Overhaul — Coinbase’s Faryar Shirzad Weighs In
Republican lawmakers push a bill to overhaul federal cryptocurrency regulation this year. Coinbase's Faryar Shirzad weighs in on industry impact and clarity.
Republican lawmakers are moving quickly to pass legislation that would overhaul how federal agencies regulate digital assets, or cryptocurrency, possibly as soon as this year. The proposed effort aims to create clearer rules for crypto businesses and investors, addressing long-standing uncertainty about which agencies govern different parts of the market.
Faryar Shirzad, chief policy officer of Coinbase, joined The Takeout to discuss the potential bill and its implications. Shirzad highlighted the industry’s need for consistent, predictable rules that protect consumers while allowing innovation to flourish. For many crypto firms, regulatory clarity means reduced legal risk and greater confidence to invest, hire, and scale operations in the United States.
A central issue in the debate is how to divide authority among regulators. Today, overlapping jurisdiction between agencies—such as the SEC, CFTC, and banking regulators—has created confusion about enforcement and compliance for digital asset platforms. Lawmakers and industry leaders argue a legislative framework could streamline responsibilities, standardize consumer protections, and create a clearer path for new products.
Supporters of the overhaul also emphasize economic benefits. Clearer cryptocurrency regulation could attract more institutional investment, support job growth in blockchain and fintech, and help the U.S. remain competitive in a global digital asset market. At the same time, critics warn that poorly drafted rules could stifle innovation or leave consumers exposed if protections are insufficient.
Shirzad’s appearance on The Takeout underscores how industry stakeholders are engaging with Congress to shape the outcome. Coinbase and other crypto companies are pushing for rules that balance innovation, consumer safety, and market integrity. The conversation highlights common priorities: legal certainty, interoperability across agencies, and proportional rules that reflect the technology’s unique risks and opportunities.
As Republican lawmakers advance a timeline for this bill, the crypto community and regulators will be watching closely. For businesses, investors, and consumers, the stakes are high: the right framework could foster growth and trust, while missteps could create new obstacles. Follow developments to understand how upcoming regulatory changes may affect cryptocurrency markets and digital asset innovation.