Another debates around the CLARITY act is now raising from BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes. He is questioning whether Bitcoin needs the CLARITY Act to succeed. Hayes argues that market dynamics rather than regulation are central to Bitcoin’s success.
Arthur Hayes: Does Bitcoin Need the CLARITY Act to Go Up?
In an August 2026 video interview with Altcoin Daily @AltcoinDaily , BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes @CryptoHayes said he doesn't hate the CLARITY Act — but it's a moat-building tool for projects that spend more on… pic.twitter.com/jfrkmIHrwW
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 8, 2026
The discussion comes as the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, formally H.R. 3633, remains pending in the Senate. Congressional records show that the House passed the measure 294-134 on July 17, 2025. The record also lists an August 8, 2026 Senate action in which a cloture motion on the motion to proceed was presented; the bill had not passed the Senate in the cited record.
What Hayes Says the CLARITY Act Could Change
Hayes pointed to Bitcoin’s growth since its inception without a CLARITY Act as part of his case that such legislation is not necessary for the asset’s success. He is showing skepticism over the idea that a U.S. regulatory framework is a prerequisite for Bitcoin to thrive.
Hayes also reportedly argues that the proposed framework could favor projects able to afford extensive legal representation. Projects with greater legal resources may be better placed to navigate a more formal regulatory environment than those without comparable resources.
The legislation itself is intended to establish a regulatory framework for digital commodities. The Congressional Research Service summary says the bill addresses areas including Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight of digital commodity transactions, certain Securities and Exchange Commission jurisdiction, reporting requirements, trade monitoring, recordkeeping and customer-asset commingling. Those provisions provide context for the debate, but they do not settle Hayes’s broader argument about Bitcoin’s drivers.
JUST IN: White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt says Clarity Act doubters will be proven wrong.
Senate vote scheduled for Sept. 15. pic.twitter.com/RHWg1nWHSZ
— Bitcoin Archive (@BitcoinArchive) September 7, 2026
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Liquidity, Macro Conditions and Bitcoin’s Broader Debate

Bitcoin fell 1.55% over the past 24 hours to around $78,450, slipping below the $79,000 mark as strong U.S. jobs data and higher Treasury yields pressured risk assets. Traders are watching the August CPI report due September 11 for the next major catalyst, with the broader market still digesting how rate expectations are shaping short-term sentiment.
The debate over regulation versus market forces takes on added relevance.  
Hayes’s market snapshot says regulatory measures may influence certain projects, while many traders believe Bitcoin’s growth is driven by market conditions rather than legal frameworks. Bitcoin remains a focal point as traders and analysts consider how potential regulatory changes could affect the sector.
The ongoing debates over the CLARITY Act could influence regulatory sentiment and shape how market participants assess Bitcoin’s direction.
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