Coinbase launches advocacy organization ahead of upcoming votes on key legislation

Crypto exchange Coinbase is launching an advocacy organization in a move to get the crypto community involved in legislation ahead of upcoming votes in the U.S. Congress.  

Dubbed the "Stand with Crypto Alliance," Coinbase says the group is “crypto’s first true grassroots movement that will be organized onchain,” according to a statement. 

“By providing a launch pad, the Alliance is mobilizing the full force of the decentralized crypto community to tell lawmakers: Recess is over. America’s crypto constituency is strong – and will be holding them accountable this fall when Congress votes on common-sense legislation to protect consumers and their right to crypto,” Coinbase said.

Crypto advocates have ramped up efforts over the past few months to get legislation passed that would improve regulation of the crypto industry in the country. Some have criticized regulators, like the Securities and Exchange Commission, for what they call a regulation by enforcement approach. 

Two bills are teed up to be voted on in the full House, including one bill that would direct regulators to create a clear path for how a digital asset can transition from being a security to a commodity. The other would create a comprehensive framework to regulate payment stablecoins. Both passed certain House committees last month. 

A tense relationship

The SEC sued Coinbase in June for allegedly operating as an unregistered exchange, broker and clearing agency. The regulator also charged the crypto behemoth for the unregistered offer and sale of securities tied to its staking-as-a-service program.

Coinbase has fought back, asking the court earlier this month to dismiss the case entirely. 

“With respect to litigation with the SEC, I want to be very clear — we do think we can win, we expect to win,” Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal said during an earnings call this month. Grewal also said the exchange wants to work with the SEC and lawmakers to obtain “regulatory clarity.”