Banking Trades Statement on Senate Banking Committee Vote to Advance Clarity Act

Following today’s Senate Banking Committee vote to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, the American Bankers Association, Bank Policy Institute, Consumer Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum, Independent Community Bankers of America and National Bankers Association issued the following joint statement:

“Today’s Senate Banking Committee vote on the Clarity Act marks an important step in establishing a regulatory framework around digital assets, a goal the banking industry supports. We continue to believe that these goals can be achieved while also protecting Main Street’s access to community lending, and thanks to banker engagement and the work of senators on both sides of the aisle, especially Senators Tillis and Alsobrooks, the bill that cleared the committee includes several significant improvements over an earlier version.

"The banking industry continues to believe that the Clarity Act should be strengthened further by tightening the prohibition on interest-like rewards for holding stablecoin while also allowing certain payment stablecoin transactions and activities to generate rewards. Without the necessary guardrails, stablecoin offerings are expected to draw away bank deposits and threaten local lending and economic activity across the country. In that spirit, we will continue to work with senators in good faith to address this issue and improve the bill and its chances on the Senate floor.”

Media Contacts:

Sarah Grano
American Bankers Association
[email protected]

Sam Fabens
Bank Policy Institute
[email protected]

Weston Loyd
Consumer Bankers Association
[email protected]

Laura Peavey
Financial Services Forum
[email protected]

Nicole Swann
Independent Community Bankers of America
[email protected]

Molly Moran
National Bankers Association
[email protected]

About the American Bankers Association
The American Bankers Association is the voice of the nation’s $25.1 trillion banking industry, which is composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million people, safeguard $19.7 trillion in deposits and extend $13.2 trillion in loans. 

About Bank Policy Institute
The Bank Policy Institute is a nonpartisan public policy, research and advocacy group that represents universal banks, regional banks and the major foreign banks doing business in the United States. The Institute produces academic research and analysis on regulatory and monetary policy topics, analyzes and comments on proposed regulations, and represents the financial services industry with respect to cybersecurity, fraud and other information security issues.

About Consumer Bankers Association
The Consumer Bankers Association represents America’s leading retail banks. We promote policies to create a stronger industry and economy. Established in 1919, CBA’s corporate member institutions account for 1.7 million jobs in America, extend roughly $4 trillion in consumer loans and provide $275 billion in small business loans annually. Follow us on X @consumerbankers. 

About Financial Services Forum
The Financial Services Forum is an economic policy and advocacy organization whose members are the eight largest and most diversified financial institutions headquartered in the United States. Forum member institutions are a leading source of lending and investment in the United States and serve millions of consumers, businesses, investors, and communities throughout the country. The Forum promotes policies that support savings and investment, financial inclusion, deep and liquid capital markets, a competitive global marketplace, and a sound financial system.

About the Independent Community Bankers of America
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation. As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

About the National Bankers Association
Founded in 1927, the National Bankers Association (NBA) is the premier trade association representing the nation’s mission-driven banks. NBA’s mission is to strengthen mission-driven banks through advocacy, research, partnerships, and innovation, ensuring that financial services are accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all. For more information visit nationalbankers.org.