Stablecoin

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has withdrawn support for the Crypto Markets Structure Act, prompting a public split among U.S. crypto executives over regulatory strategy. Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott postponed a markup and seeks to address concerns before month's end, while industry figures urge negotiations to resolve issues around stablecoin yields and DeFi.

On 18 January 2026, data from Alphractal indicated that waning search and social interest in Bitcoin and altcoins is now reflected in on-chain stablecoin activity. USDT volumes on Ethereum and Tron are losing momentum, while USDC usage is growing in a measured way that aligns more with institutional or treasury-style behavior than speculative trading.

XRP is trading near $2.06 as spot ETFs logged $1.28B of inflows, helping offset selling pressure. Price consolidates in a descending triangle around $2.05, with downside targets near $1.91 and potential resistance toward $2.19. Coinbase's criticism of a Senate draft on stablecoins may add headwinds for crypto sentiment.

On 18 January 2026, Moldova's finance leadership said the country is preparing its first nationwide crypto framework, targeting completion by the end of 2026. The draft will be modeled on the EU's MiCA, aiming to clarify rules for issuance, trading, and service providers while enhancing investor protection and market oversight.

On 18 January 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong rejected reports that the White House plans to drop support for the CLARITY Act. He said talks remain constructive and that officials asked Coinbase to help explore compromises with community banks, including on stablecoin yield-sharing provisions. The Senate Banking Committee delayed its markup, with negotiations expected to resume in the coming weeks.

On January 16 and January 18, 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong rejected suggestions that the White House had pulled its support for the CLARITY Act and stressed that talks on the crypto market structure bill are continuing. Coinbase has paused backing for the legislation over its potential impact on DeFi, tokenized stocks, and stablecoin yields, while the Senate Banking Committee has postponed a planned markup to allow more time for negotiations.

On January 18, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong denied reports that the White House might withdraw support for a U.S. crypto market structure bill, saying talks remain active. He flagged disputes over stablecoin yields and warned of regulatory capture by banks, while policymakers and industry voices weighed potential market impacts.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong rejected claims that the White House is considering withdrawing support for the CLARITY crypto market structure bill and denied that the administration is upset with the exchange. He said the administration asked Coinbase to find a compromise with banks and noted that industry groups are developing proposals to address community bank concerns and stablecoin yield restrictions. Armstrong expects a revised bill markup in the coming weeks after the Senate Banking Committee delayed its vote to allow further negotiations.

Washington's bid to create a single regulatory framework for the US crypto market is losing traction as the White House reassesses whether to support a broad market structure bill. Tensions with Coinbase, including public criticism from CEO Brian Armstrong over issues such as stablecoin yields, tokenized equities, data access and SEC authority, have delayed a Senate Banking Committee vote and left the legislation stalled.

On 17 January 2026, the White House began weighing whether to continue supporting the Digital Asset Market Structure Framework after relations with Coinbase deteriorated. The reassessment follows Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong rejecting the draft and a mid-January Senate Banking Committee markup being paused, leaving the bill’s trajectory and broader US crypto regulatory plans uncertain.