The crypto sector poured roughly $8 million in the first six months of 2026 into lobbying efforts tied to U.S. legislation that would establish a regulatory framework for digital asset markets, according to federal disclosure records.
The spending came as lawmakers in the Senate considered the crypto legislation known as the Clarity Act. Despite the industry’s extensive lobbying campaign, the legislation did not secure Senate passage during the period.
Overall, crypto-related organizations reported spending over $13 million on lobbying efforts between January and June. Of that total, about $8m was connected directly to the legislation, although disclosure forms often use broad descriptions that make it difficult to determine precisely how much time lobbyists devoted to individual issues.
The lobbying campaign was separate from the industry’s much larger political spending. Crypto companies and their allies have directed over $100 million toward election-related efforts, while industry organizations have separately financed advocacy campaigns.
Of the estimated $8 million associated with the legislation, approximately $2.4m went to outside lobbying firms. Trade associations spent an additional $2.1 million on their own government-relations operations, with crypto companies accounting for the remainder.
Coinbase was among the largest corporate participants, reporting roughly $2.2 million in lobbying connected to the measure. Kraken spent close to $1 million. Other significant participants included Paradigm and Jump Crypto.
Julia Krieger, Coinbase’s spokesperson, said the company’s lobbying helped move bipartisan legislation closer to approval and contributed to regulatory discussions now taking place at the CFTC and the SEC.
Outside the legislation, several major digital-asset companies also reported substantial lobbying expenses. Coinbase led with over $1 million while a16z followed at about $1.5 million. Crypto.com poured in approximately $1.2 million and Binance spent roughly $1.4 million.
Crypto companies distributed their lobbying spending across at least 42 external firms. The biggest recipients collected roughly $1.8 million, with Binance’s contribution accounting for most of that amount.
The scale of the campaign also raised questions about coordination. Critics argued that competing interests within the crypto sector sometimes made it difficult to present a unified position during negotiations.
Still, supporters point to the bill’s progress as evidence that the industry’s lobbying produced tangible movement, even without final passage. The debate also gave lawmakers greater exposure to digital-asset policy.
Lobbying efforts have continued as federal regulators develop new crypto rules. The Blockchain Association said it plans to increase engagement with the CFTC and the SEC.
For companies like BitMine Immersion Technologies Inc. (NYSE American: BMNR) focused on accumulating cryptos, such as ETH and BTC, clarity around the industry’s regulation is a big thing and they will be watching how the regulatory landscape evolves over the coming years.
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