Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon urged U.S. lawmakers to establish a clear, rules-based framework for digital assets, as debate intensifies in Washington over a comprehensive crypto market structure bill. Speaking at the World Liberty Forum in Mar-a-Lago in an interview with CNBC, Solomon said lawmakers should take a long-term view and ensure crypto markets operate under well-defined oversight.
Solomon: Crypto Needs a Rules-Based Market
“As an American, I think it is very important that as we put legislation in place, we get it right for the long term,” Solomon said. “I believe that to operate markets safely and soundly, we need to have a rules‑based system.”
Solomon emphasized that the U.S. banking system is distinct and should function alongside emerging technologies rather than be displaced by them. He rejected the notion that crypto can prosper in a “regulatory vacuum,” adding, “If there are people who think we are going to operate in this environment without rules, they are probably wrong, and they should move to El Salvador.”
While underscoring the need for structure and oversight, Solomon noted Goldman Sachs is active in digital-asset initiatives. “We obviously are doing a bunch of things around digitization and tokenization,” he said, describing himself as “super‑interested in” crypto-related business, while cautioning that digital assets remain a relatively small part of the firm’s overall operations.
Congress Weighs Market Structure Bill
Solomon’s comments come as lawmakers consider a broad crypto market structure proposal often referred to as the CLARITY Act, aimed at setting out how U.S. crypto markets should be governed. Senator Bernie Moreno said he still has “some concerns” about the measure but expressed optimism that Congress could pass it “hopefully by April,” paving the way for President Donald Trump to sign it into law.
Addressing political risks, Moreno dismissed worries that delays could imperil the bill if Democrats regain control of Congress in upcoming elections. “The House isn’t going to go Democrat, and neither is the Senate,” he said.
Industry Sees Path Forward on Stablecoin Issues
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse suggested that once remaining disputes over stablecoin rewards between banking and crypto sectors are resolved, the market structure bill could move quickly. Acknowledging the legislation is not perfect, he estimated there is an 80% chance it will be signed into law by the end of April.