Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says US Won't Become 'Crypto Capital Of The World' If One Policy Proposal Passes

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has issued a stark warning about America's cryptocurrency leadership, stating the US won't become the "crypto capital of the world" if a controversial Senate Democratic proposal advances. The Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) executive criticized the sweeping DeFi broker rule as "a bad proposal" that would significantly "set innovation back" in the rapidly growing decentralized finance sector.

The draft legislation, first reported by Politico, reveals Senate Banking Committee Democrats' plan to classify decentralized finance operations under strict regulatory frameworks. This regulatory push could fundamentally reshape how DeFi protocols, blockchain networks, and cryptocurrency exchanges operate within US jurisdiction.

Armstrong's public opposition highlights mounting tensions between traditional financial regulators and the crypto industry. The proposed broker rules could impact major cryptocurrency platforms, Bitcoin trading, and emerging blockchain technologies. Market analysts suggest such regulatory uncertainty may drive crypto innovation offshore, potentially weakening America's competitive position in the global digital asset landscape.

The debate underscores broader questions about cryptocurrency regulation, DeFi governance, and whether restrictive policies will hinder US blockchain development compared to more crypto-friendly international jurisdictions.