During the Token2049 conference in Singapore, Digital Asset co-founder and CEO Yuval Rooz called on crypto enterprises to drive institutional adoption prior to the next U.S. presidential election. Rooz contended that achieving widespread blockchain integration could render subsequent policy rollbacks significantly more difficult.
His remarks came in the wake of the CLARITY Act’s failure to progress in the Senate, which has spurred industry leaders to debate strategies for broadening adoption while lawmakers weigh comprehensive digital asset legislation.
Rooz Urges Crypto Adoption Before the 2028 Election
Rooz asserted that the sector should leverage the current regulatory climate to drive deeper blockchain integration across financial institutions. He emphasized that adoption needs to reach a critical mass where, no matter who wins in 2028, “there is no going back.”
With the subsequent U.S. presidential election set for November 7, 2028, shifts in the administration could introduce shifting regulatory priorities. Rather than depending solely on backing from the current administration, Rooz framed expanded adoption as a strategy to minimize the sector’s vulnerability to political transitions.
He drew parallels to the trajectories of Uber and Airbnb, noting that both firms achieved massive mainstream use before regulators attempted to curb them. He suggested that their sheer scale of deployment made it much harder to undo their progress.
Rooz’s analogy centered on cultivating robust consumer and institutional demand ahead of shifts in the political landscape. His strategy urges firms to scale blockchain utilization during the current window of opportunity. Digital Asset designates Rooz as its co-founder and CEO, and the Canton website likewise names him as its chief executive.
Teng Backs CLARITY Act to Reduce Policy Uncertainty
Speaking on the same panel, Binance co-CEO Richard Teng stated his ongoing support for the CLARITY Act to be enacted into law. He maintained that official legislation would help avert regulatory reversals and provide institutions with increased assurance to enter the cryptocurrency space.
Teng characterized the potential undoing of current advancements as “the biggest fear” facing the market. His viewpoint underscored the necessity of establishing a legal framework capable of sustaining adoption independently of any single administration’s agenda, whereas Rooz focused on accelerating utilization ahead of the upcoming presidential vote.
The Senate stalled the CLARITY Act on September 15. A procedural vote tallied 49 supporters against 50 opponents, missing the 60-vote threshold needed to pass. While this blocked the measure from advancing, it was not a definitive vote on the bill’s ultimate passage.
Senator Thom Tillis flipped his vote from yes to no and subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration. This procedural maneuver left the door open for another potential Senate vote later in the year, leaving the legislation’s path forward unclear in the wake of the September setback.
Johnson Says Adoption Should Continue Without Waiting for Congress
Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, noted that legislation would deliver enhanced predictability for the sector. Nevertheless, she warned businesses against relying entirely on the CLARITY Act’s enactment when mapping out blockchain services and institutional growth.
Johnson highlighted ongoing efforts by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission operating under their current mandates. She argued that these regulators are already offering sufficient regulatory clarity to sustain innovation and institutional onboarding despite the legislative hold-up.
Her perspective positioned regulatory agency actions alongside Capitol Hill legislation as alternative pathways for momentum. While Teng voiced optimism regarding congressional approval, Johnson encouraged market participants to keep building within the existing regulatory boundaries, treating the bill’s passage as non-essential for further adoption.
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