Brad Garlinghouse Heads to Capitol Hill
In a landmark moment for U.S. crypto regulation, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is set to appear before the Senate Banking Committee on July 9, 2025, alongside several key figures from the blockchain and finance sectors. The hearing, titled “From Wall Street to Web3: Building the Future of Digital Asset Markets,” will focus on how the government should regulate digital assets and define the roles of the SEC and CFTC moving forward.
Garlinghouse will be joined by:
- Former CFTC Chair Timothy Massad
- Blockchain Association CEO and ex-CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger
- Chainalysis CEO Jonathan Levin
Their testimonies will highlight critical issues such as:
- Market structure
- Innovation in crypto
- Investor protection
- The U.S.’s global role in digital finance
“Crypto Week” and Legislative Momentum
This Senate hearing comes during a pivotal time referred to as “Crypto Week” by Republican House leaders. The House is reviewing three major crypto-related bills:
- The GENIUS Act – Establishes a framework for stablecoins backed by the U.S. dollar.
- The CLARITY Act – Clarifies jurisdiction between the SEC and CFTC over digital assets.
- A bill to halt the development of a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Garlinghouse’s testimony signals Ripple’s growing role in shaping Washington’s crypto policy.
Calls for Bipartisan Solutions
In prepared remarks, Mersinger stated:
“The question is not whether to regulate crypto, but how. We must choose between regulatory uncertainty and embracing bipartisan solutions that secure America’s leadership in financial innovation.”
The hearing is also expected to address potential political conflicts of interest, especially involving Donald Trump. Ripple previously donated $5 million in XRP to Trump’s inaugural fund. Garlinghouse also attended a White House crypto summit earlier in 2025.
Trump and his family have also been tied to:
- World Liberty Financial
- The USD1 stablecoin
- The “Official Trump” meme coin
Testimony from Ethics Experts and Industry Watchdogs
To navigate ethical concerns, former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter is also scheduled to testify. He will emphasize the importance of transparency in how regulatory decisions and political involvement intersect with digital assets.
Linqto Bankruptcy Adds Pressure to Reform
Adding further urgency is the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Linqto, a private investment platform that holds 4.7 million shares in Ripple. The firm is under SEC investigation for allegedly misleading investors and violating securities law.
The collapse of Linqto highlights the need for stronger oversight in the secondary crypto market, especially for platforms that handle pre-IPO investments.
Conclusion: Defining the Future of U.S. Crypto Regulation
As the U.S. moves toward a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, Brad Garlinghouse’s testimony marks a defining moment in the evolving relationship between crypto and policy.
With key voices pushing for clarity, innovation, and investor protection, the outcome of this hearing could shape the future of crypto in the U.S.—striking a balance between technological progress and responsible governance in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
