Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Faces Senate Grilling: Crypto’s Regulatory Reckoning Heats Up

Ripple’s Brad Garlinghouse is stepping into the lion’s den—testifying before the US Senate Banking Committee. Will this be crypto’s 'come-to-Jesus' moment or just another political circus?

The hearing could finally force Washington’s hand on clear crypto regulations—or prove lawmakers still can’t tell a blockchain from a spreadsheet.

Wall Street’s watching closely. After all, nothing gets bankers sweating like disruptive tech that actually works.

Industry leaders seek clarity to spur innovation

Garlinghouse will join industry voices, including Blockchain Association member Summer Mersinger and Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin. Together, they will address the Senate on how fragmented regulation limits innovation and undermines US leadership in digital assets. XRP holders expect their testimony to emphasize urgency and promote a consistent approach.

“Constructive crypto market structure legislation in the US is imperative in bringing about a new era of innovation and financial opportunity, while protecting consumers,” Garlinghouse said.

Paradigm researcher Dan Robinson will also testify. He will bring technical insights into how regulation affects blockchain development. Legislators intend to gather input from all sides before finalizing any framework.

Also, the hearing will address the proposed crypto market structure legislation, including bills such as the GENIUS Act and CLARITY Act, as well as frameworks for digital assets.

The GENIUS stablecoin and CLARITY digital asset market bills are in advanced legislative stages. They have both cleared key committees and floor votes. They are part of a wider push to modernize US digital asset regulation.

The lawmakers also seek to draw clearer lines between digital assets regulated by the SEC and those under CFTC oversight. Their proposal introduces specific definitions intended to reduce jurisdictional uncertainty and increase transparency.

XRP holders see this as a possible turning point in determining how to classify XRP. Ripple has been in touch with officials many times, but the token is still in regulatory uncertainty. XRP holders have endured mixed signals from federal agencies for years, impacting the asset’s adoption and price stability.

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