Ripple CEO Says U.S. Crypto Rules Near Completion After White House and CFTC Meetings

Ripple chief executive Brad Garlinghouse told investors that the United States is approaching a pivotal point in establishing federal rules for digital assets. He linked the momentum to recent meetings at the White House and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), as well as a seven‑year effort to secure clear market‑structure legislation.

White House meeting highlights industry significance

On August 19, Garlinghouse attended a White House gathering that included President Donald Trump, regulators and leaders from traditional finance. The discussion covered digital‑asset legislation, tokenization, capital formation and U.S. competitiveness in technology. Garlinghouse noted that the event underscored the political and economic weight of the crypto sector, citing a recent estimate that 67 million Americans hold crypto assets.

CFTC Innovation Advisory Committee convenes

The following day, the CFTC held its inaugural Innovation Advisory Committee meeting. Topics included crypto regulation, artificial intelligence and prediction markets, with participants from Nasdaq, CME Group, Cboe, the New York Stock Exchange and other clearing organizations. Garlinghouse said the consensus was that rules designed for a different era are insufficient for today’s consumers, businesses and innovators.

Legislative landscape: the CLARITY Act

Both gatherings referenced the proposed CLARITY Act, which would create a federal market‑structure framework for digital assets. While supporters argue the bill would provide clearer responsibilities for regulators and stronger consumer protections, Senate Democrats have raised concerns about conflicts of interest, anti‑fraud standards and safeguards against illicit finance. The bill has not yet received a Senate vote.

Regulators pursue parallel paths

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig indicated the agency could develop a crypto market regime using existing authority, regardless of the CLARITY Act’s outcome. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opened a 60‑day comment period on proposed rules that would create federal offering exemptions for certain crypto investment contracts.

Outlook

Garlinghouse expressed confidence that the United States is closer than ever to finalizing a comprehensive regulatory framework, but he acknowledged that final legislative action remains pending.