Goldman Sachs CEO Says US Must Codify How Crypto ‘Will Operate’

Speaking at the World Liberty Forum in Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon called for the United States to establish a clearly defined, rules-based framework governing how crypto markets operate.

In an interview with CNBC, Solomon said it is essential that lawmakers take a long‑term view as they shape crypto legislation. “As an American, I think it is very important that as we put legislation in place, we get it right for the long term,” he said. 

“I believe that to operate markets safely and soundly, we need to have a rules‑based system,” he added. Solomon emphasized that the US banking system is distinct and must function alongside emerging technologies rather than be displaced by them. He also dismissed the notion that crypto can thrive in a “regulatory vacuum.”

“If there are people who think we are going to operate in this environment without rules, they are probably wrong, and they should move to El Salvador,” Solomon remarked, underscoring his view that structure and oversight are non‑negotiable.

At the same time, Solomon made clear that Goldman Sachs is paying attention to digital assets. He described himself as “super‑interested in” crypto‑related business and noted that the firm is active in areas such as digitization and tokenization. 

“We obviously are doing a bunch of things around digitization and tokenization,” he said. “We touch all that stuff.” Still, the bank’s CEO cautioned that digital assets remain a relatively small slice of Goldman’s overall operations. 

Solomon’s comments came as debate intensifies in Washington over the fate of the anticipated crypto market structure bill, often referred to as the CLARITY Act. 

Earlier in the day, Senator Bernie Moreno acknowledged that he still has “some concerns” about the bill. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that Congress could pass the measure “hopefully by April,” clearing the way for President Donald Trump to sign it into law.

Moreno also dismissed concerns that delays could jeopardize the bill if Democrats were to regain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. 

With some Republicans worried about potentially losing at least the House, Moreno projected confidence. “The House isn’t going to go Democrat, and neither is the Senate,” he predicted.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also suggested on Tuesday that once remaining disputes over stablecoin rewards between banking and crypto sectors are resolved, the CLARITY Act could move quickly toward passage. 

While acknowledging that the bill is not flawless, he maintained that no legislation ever is. He went further, estimating there is an 80% chance the market structure bill will be signed into law by the end of April.

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com