Anti-DeFi Ad Campaign Targets CLARITY Act as Senate Crypto Debate Heats Up

A new advertising campaign tied to crypto policy has stirred debate in Washington as lawmakers prepare to review a major market structure bill. Ads airing on Fox News urge viewers to pressure senators to support legislation that excludes decentralized finance provisions. The timing of the campaign coincides with key Senate activity on crypto regulation.

CLARITY Act Debate Intensifies as Anti-DeFi Ads Air Nationwide

Reports indicate that an anti-DeFi group is running national television ads calling on the public to oppose decentralized finance language in the CLARITY Act. Screenshots shared Friday on X by Eleanor Terrett show messaging from Investors For Transparency encouraging viewers to contact their senators via a provided hotline number.

Investors For Transparency is urging lawmakers to advance crypto legislation that excludes DeFi provisions, arguing that decentralized finance could hinder innovation. The messaging aligns with concerns from banking advocates, who say parts of the CLARITY Act may allow stablecoin issuers to offer interest-bearing products similar to traditional bank deposits.

According to estimates released in April by the U.S. Treasury, as much as $6.6 trillion in traditional bank deposits could move out of the banking system if stablecoins gain widespread adoption. Banking groups have cited this figure as a potential risk to financial stability.

Crypto Legislation Advances, but Election Risks and Amendments Loom

Debate surrounding the bill has intensified ahead of Thursday’s scheduled markup by the Senate Banking Committee, set for January 15.

Key points driving the dispute include:

• The potential for stablecoin issuers to offer interest-like returns.
• Risks of deposit migration away from traditional banks.
• A lack of transparency around anti-DeFi funding sources.
• Disagreements over consumer protection standards.
• Heightened political pressure ahead of upcoming elections.

Crypto industry figures have pushed back strongly. Uniswap Labs CEO Hayden Adams called the campaign ironic, noting that Investors For Transparency has not disclosed its donors or leadership.

Even with this positive outlook, additional hurdles remain. Several Democratic lawmakers are seeking stronger conflict-of-interest rules in the bill, while concerns persist that the 2026 midterm elections could delay progress. Research from TD Cowen Washington Research Group suggests passage may slip to 2027, with implementation potentially delayed until 2029.

Despite the pushback, Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott has voiced confidence that the crypto legislation can move more quickly and deliver tangible outcomes for the public.