Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, has publicly accused Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and SEC Chair Gary Gensler of attempting to undermine the cryptocurrency sector. Using social media to express his views, Armstrong raised alarms about the actions of these officials, suggesting they could be both illegal and harmful to the industry.
What Are Armstrong’s Main Accusations?
Armstrong argues that Warren and Gensler’s efforts to dismantle the crypto industry could lead to significant political repercussions for the Democratic Party. He criticized them, saying, “Warren and Gensler tried to illegally destroy our industry, which significantly contributed to the Democrats losing elections. The party must recognize Warren as a liability if it intends to recover.”
How Do Other Leaders React to These Claims?
Other professionals in the crypto field echoed Armstrong’s concerns. Marc Andreessen of Andreessen Horowitz highlighted that over 30 founders have faced banking service denials in recent years, with Armstrong attributing part of this issue to Warren’s influence. Jesse Powell from Kraken remarked about a targeted operation affecting crypto-friendly banks, indicating that this has been a persistent issue for four years.
Various industry leaders have reported losing banking services, which raises red flags about the ongoing treatment of the crypto sector:
- Over 30 crypto founders have faced banking denials.
- Newly established crypto-friendly banks are being unlawfully denied services.
- This situation could hinder the overall growth and innovation within the industry.
The growing sentiment among crypto industry leaders reflects significant concern over U.S. governmental actions that restrict banking access to crypto companies. Such limitations may not only stifle innovation but also shape the future regulatory landscape of the cryptocurrency market.