In a recent interview with CNBC, Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen expressed optimism about a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies.
He criticized Senator Elizabeth Warren’s stance on digital assets, labeling her approach a “misguided war on crypto” that has allowed other nations, such as Singapore and the United Kingdom, to take the lead while failing to adequately protect American consumers from risks like the FTX collapse.
However, Larsen believes that the tides are changing. He noted an emerging bipartisan consensus regarding the future of crypto, regardless of which political party secures the White House.
He emphasized the importance of supporting political leaders who advocate for pro-digital asset policies, highlighting his own contributions of nearly $12 million, mainly in XRP, to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.
Larsen expressed enthusiasm for Harris’ economic message, which he interprets as one that fosters innovation and positions American companies as leaders in the global market. He believes that her background in the Bay Area, known for its tech innovation, equips her with a unique perspective on the importance of nurturing the digital asset industry.
He is confident that a Harris Administration would adopt a markedly different approach to crypto regulation compared to the policies of the Biden Administration, which he views as ineffective.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has hinted that U.S. banks may soon see more flexibility when it comes to handling digital assets—a notable shift from the cautious approach regulators have maintained in recent years.
Concerns over unchecked influence in Washington have prompted a new legislative push to tighten ethics rules for part-time federal advisors with ties to powerful corporations.
New York may soon allow residents to use digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to pay for services tied to the state.
Japan is preparing to reshape its crypto regulations with a fresh proposal that would divide digital assets into two distinct categories—one for business-backed tokens and another for decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.