Coinbase CEO: Banks Aim to Eliminate Competition Through Crypto Regulation
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong discusses withdrawing support for the Senate’s cryptocurrency bill on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
In a recent interview on “Mornings with Maria,” Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong explained the rationale behind the company’s decision to withdraw support for a significant Senate cryptocurrency bill.
Armstrong expressed his concerns, stating, “It just felt deeply unfair to me that one industry [banks] would come in and get to do regulatory capture to ban their competition.” He emphasized the need for a level playing field, asserting, “They should have to compete on the level playing field, and I genuinely believe that.”
During the interview, Armstrong conveyed that “much of the industry” shares Coinbase’s apprehensions regarding the legislation. He felt a strong obligation to advocate for customers, who he believes are receiving a worse deal from banks due to the bill’s provisions.
Armstrong refrained from commenting on whether the hearing or markup should proceed but felt compelled to voice his concerns on behalf of customers and all Americans.
Brian Armstrong, co-founder and chief executive officer of Coinbase Inc., speaks during the Singapore Fintech Festival, in Singapore, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Bryan van der Beek/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Armstrong’s decision to withdraw Coinbase’s support for the bill has created significant buzz on Capitol Hill. The core of the issue revolves around a disagreement between banks and cryptocurrency firms regarding whether stablecoin holders should receive reward payments.
The U.S. Capitol at dawn during a vote-a-rama on July 1, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Al Drago/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Despite the ongoing tensions, Armstrong acknowledged that some banks are adopting a positive stance toward digital assets. He stated, “Many of these banks are actually very smart. The commercial side of the bank is leaning into crypto. They’re actually doing deals with Coinbase. We’re powering a lot of crypto and stablecoin infrastructure for them on the commercial side.”
Armstrong criticized the lobbying efforts of banks, which he believes aim to stifle competition. However, he remains hopeful that lawmakers can address the unresolved issues within the bill.
Coinbase logo is seen at the Imax building in London, Great Britain, on July 10, 2025. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Armstrong concluded by highlighting the contrasting approaches within the banking sector, stating, “And then their lobbying arm comes to D.C. and thinks of it as very zero-sum and is trying to kill the competition.” He remains optimistic that, with the right principles in place, a beneficial resolution can be achieved.
Tune in to watch Maria Bartiromo’s full interview with Armstrong when it airs Friday on “Mornings with Maria” at 8:30 a.m. ET on FOX Business.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong discusses withdrawing support for the Senate’s cryptocurrency bill on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
In a recent interview on “Mornings with Maria,” Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong explained the rationale behind the company’s decision to withdraw support for a significant Senate cryptocurrency bill.
Armstrong expressed his concerns, stating, “It just felt deeply unfair to me that one industry [banks] would come in and get to do regulatory capture to ban their competition.” He emphasized the need for a level playing field, asserting, “They should have to compete on the level playing field, and I genuinely believe that.”
During the interview, Armstrong conveyed that “much of the industry” shares Coinbase’s apprehensions regarding the legislation. He felt a strong obligation to advocate for customers, who he believes are receiving a worse deal from banks due to the bill’s provisions.
Armstrong refrained from commenting on whether the hearing or markup should proceed but felt compelled to voice his concerns on behalf of customers and all Americans.
Brian Armstrong, co-founder and chief executive officer of Coinbase Inc., speaks during the Singapore Fintech Festival, in Singapore, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Bryan van der Beek/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Armstrong’s decision to withdraw Coinbase’s support for the bill has created significant buzz on Capitol Hill. The core of the issue revolves around a disagreement between banks and cryptocurrency firms regarding whether stablecoin holders should receive reward payments.
The U.S. Capitol at dawn during a vote-a-rama on July 1, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Al Drago/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Despite the ongoing tensions, Armstrong acknowledged that some banks are adopting a positive stance toward digital assets. He stated, “Many of these banks are actually very smart. The commercial side of the bank is leaning into crypto. They’re actually doing deals with Coinbase. We’re powering a lot of crypto and stablecoin infrastructure for them on the commercial side.”
Armstrong criticized the lobbying efforts of banks, which he believes aim to stifle competition. However, he remains hopeful that lawmakers can address the unresolved issues within the bill.
Coinbase logo is seen at the Imax building in London, Great Britain, on July 10, 2025. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
Armstrong concluded by highlighting the contrasting approaches within the banking sector, stating, “And then their lobbying arm comes to D.C. and thinks of it as very zero-sum and is trying to kill the competition.” He remains optimistic that, with the right principles in place, a beneficial resolution can be achieved.
Tune in to watch Maria Bartiromo’s full interview with Armstrong when it airs Friday on “Mornings with Maria” at 8:30 a.m. ET on FOX Business.
