Banks Fund Crypto Attack Ads in Washington as Over 3,000 Banks Unite to Stop Clarity Act Passing Senate

By: crypto insight|2026/04/23 00:00:01
0
Share
copy

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 3,000 banks rally to block the stablecoin provision in the CLARITY Act, pressuring senators.
  • American Bankers Association’s (ABA) campaign targets a potential $6.6 trillion deposit shift due to the stablecoin “loophole.”
  • High stakes as unresolved provisions remain, adding pressure to the Senate’s tight schedule.
  • Potential yield-bearing stablecoin ban could marginally increase U.S. bank lending by 0.02%.

WEEX Crypto News, 2026-04-22 12:12:10

Banks Mobilize Against CLARITY Act

In a high-tension standoff, over 3,000 banks, led by the ABA, are funding an aggressive ad campaign to halt the CLARITY Act in the Senate. At the core is a debate over stablecoin yields, with banks demanding a crackdown to block what they label the stablecoin “loophole”—a gateway allowing potential competition for deposits from yield-bearing stablecoins on affiliate platforms.

The Crux of the Conflict

The central issue pits the banks against crypto interests over a potential $6.6 trillion deposit migration. In response, banks are adamant about closing loopholes in the CLARITY Act’s language that could enable third-party platforms to offer interest on stablecoin holdings. The GENIUS Act already prohibits direct interest payments by issuers, but banks argue this doesn’t close the competitive avenue sufficiently.

Economic Stakes Analyzed

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) has weighed in, estimating that banning stablecoin yields would increase bank lending by a modest $2.1 billion, representing a paltry 0.02% bump to the lending base. Most benefits reportedly accrue to large banks, making community banks the main battleground for local lending.

-- Price

--

ABA’s Aggressive Tactics

The unprecedented campaign combines visible media pressure and strategic lobbying. The banks’ orchestrated move, cemented by the ABA’s push, has generated substantial political heat, aiming for congressional action. Despite White House backing for the CLARITY Act, further negotiation remains a bottleneck.

Consequences and Cross-Pressures

With unresolved conflicts relating to ethics and illicit finance, the CLARITY Act faces hurdles beyond stablecoins. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott has yet to reschedule the committee markup initially set for January 2026, though rumored to occur between late April to mid-May. A swift resolution is essential to avoid shelving the Act amidst a busy legislative calendar.

Two Paths Forward

  • Constructive Path: Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks play pivotal roles, potentially brokering a compromise to refine yield language. This path strives to eliminate the loophole argument while preserving stablecoin viability.
  • Stalemate Scenario: If banks decide in favor of long-term stalling, maintaining resistance could indefinitely draw out deliberations and delay the Act’s progress.

The fate of the CLARITY Act remains uncertain, clouded by tactical maneuvering and urgent calls for clarity on stablecoin yields. The banking sector’s extensive lobbying signals deep-rooted apprehension over potential regulatory changes—compounded by the White House’s insistence on the Act’s merits to spur financial innovation without destabilizing banks.

FAQs

Why are banks opposed to the CLARITY Act?

Banks, led by the ABA, believe the Act’s current language allows a loophole for stablecoins to offer yields through affiliates, threatening a potential $6.6 trillion deposit migration from traditional banks.

What impact would a ban on stablecoin yields have?

The CEA estimates a ban would increase bank lending by only $2.1 billion or 0.02%, primarily benefiting large banks, while minimally impacting community banks.

What is the current status of the CLARITY Act?

The Senate Banking Committee has postponed the Act’s markup date. A possible rescheduling could occur late in April or early May, but negotiations remain contentious.

What are the banks’ main lobbying strategies?

Banks are using a combination of aggressive ad campaigns and strategic lobby efforts to apply pressure on senators, aiming to close the stablecoin yield “loophole.”

What are the potential paths for resolving the dispute?

A compromise addressing the yield language could pave the way for quick approval, whereas continued resistance risks prolonging the legislative impasse.

You may also like

ZachXBT: Humanity private key leak and abnormal surge in H token should be viewed separately

On June 9, according to related disclosures, on-chain investigator ZachXBT posted an update on Humanity’s roughly $31 million security incident, saying that after further analyzing fund flows, he currently tends to believe the project team was not involved in an “inside job” or a self-staged attack. According to him, the official explanation about the private key leak was broadly accurate, but before the token unlock, the price of H had been artificially pushed higher, and the hacker later took advantage of that market environment; therefore, the private key leak and the earlier abnormal price pumping should be regarded as two separate and independent events. This reframing has shifted the market’s understanding of the nature of the incident. Earlier discussion around Humanity had focused on whether the team directly participated in the attack or used the security incident to cover up internal operations. ZachXBT’s latest remarks shift the focus from “whether it was self-theft” to “whether there were pre-unlock market structure issues.” He also questioned whether the team may have.

Morning Report | OpenAI has submitted an S-1 registration statement draft to the U.S. SEC; Morpho completes $175 million financing

Overview of Important Market Events on June 9th

Morning Report | BitMine increased its holdings by 126,971 ETH last week; trader Eugene announced his exit from the crypto market

Overview of Important Market Events on June 8th

Wang Chuan: How can one not feel anxious after the neighbor Old Wang made thirty times profit by investing in storage stocks? (Seven) - A quarter-century cycle

In-depth analysis of the "reflexivity" bubble trap in storage stocks: Beware of the backlash from the bullwhip effect and the false narrative of high growth; do not let the short-term myth of wealth become a wealth abyss that cannot be recovered for 25 years.

Cryptocurrency CEXs are flocking to sell US stocks, and traditional brokerages are facing an "uninvited guest."

The major reshuffle has just begun.

$75 billion in foreign capital has fled, and South Korean retail investors have absorbed it all using leverage

Despite the accelerated migration of Korean funds from cryptocurrency to the stock market, the Korean market remains an important barometer for global cryptocurrency retail liquidity and recovery turning points.

Popular coins

Latest Crypto News

Read more
iconiconiconiconiconiconicon
Customer Support:@weikecs
Business Cooperation:@weikecs
Quant Trading & MM:bd@weex.com
VIP Program:support@weex.com