Clarity Act Crypto Uncertain as Stablecoins Gain Importance

The U.S. crypto sector is at a key turning point, says Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise. He warns that the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act, which aims to make digital asset rules clearer, may face delays or obstacles because some industry groups oppose it. The outcome of this legislation could shape how crypto becomes part of mainstream finance.

The Clarity Act’s Uncertain Path

The Clarity Act wants to give stablecoins, which are digital tokens tied to fiat money, clear legal status. Lawmakers hope this will make crypto payments safer and encourage wider adoption.

However, Hougan points out that the bill might not pass. Some industry players have raised concerns about parts of the law. These objections make the future of the bill uncertain.

According to Polymarket prediction markets, the chances of the Clarity Act becoming law in 2026 are 54.5%. The market has seen about $39,428 in trading, showing that investors and observers are divided.

Stablecoins Can Lead Adoption

If the law does not pass, Hougan believes that stablecoins will still drive crypto growth. These tokens already handle $33 trillion in annual transactions, proving their usefulness in the real world.

Stablecoins help connect traditional finance with crypto. They allow faster, cheaper and more reliable payments. Hougan thinks that even without the Clarity Act, the wider use of stablecoins can keep the U.S. crypto market moving forward.

What This Means for the Industry

The uncertainty around the Clarity Act affects companies and investors. Many firms wait for clear rules before using stablecoins in payment systems or financial products.

Meanwhile, the market is still innovating and finding ways to grow. Prediction markets like Polymarket show that outcomes are still unpredictable. This keeps both opportunities and risks high.

Looking Ahead

Right now, the U.S. crypto industry is in a watch-and-see mode. Stakeholders weigh the benefits of regulation against their concerns. At the same time, the market continues to react quickly to news.

Whether through legislation or market adoption, stablecoins will remain central to the future of digital payments. Hougan’s warning shows that the next year could be decisive for crypto in mainstream finance.