Arthur Hayes urges Trump to veto the CLARITY Act, saying Bitcoin and crypto should not rely on regulation to survive.
BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes said he hopes Trump vetoes the CLARITY Act, citing concerns over Bitcoin’s core purpose.
Speaking in a May 13 interview with The Wolf Of All Streets, Hayes said crypto should not depend on regulation to survive.
Hayes Questions Crypto Regulation Push
Arthur Hayes said Bitcoin and crypto should stand on their own design and market demand.
He argued that reliance on regulation would weaken the case for the asset class.
“If Bitcoin and crypto need regulation to survive, they are not worth a penny,” Hayes said during the interview.
His comments placed him against efforts that could bring crypto deeper into formal financial rules.
Hayes did not reject all market participation from large firms. However, he raised concerns about rules that could reshape the sector’s original purpose.
He said crypto has built a different system over the past 15 years.
The CLARITY Act has become part of a wider debate over digital asset oversight.
Supporters of regulation often point to market structure and investor protection. Hayes focused on crypto’s independence and its role outside traditional finance.
Banks Seek Crypto Products, Hayes Says
Hayes said banks want to offer crypto products because clients are asking for them. He linked this demand to the search for assets outside traditional market cycles.
According to Hayes, clients need non-correlated assets to hedge against inflation and fiat debasement.
Bitcoin and other crypto assets are often discussed in that context by market participants.
Arthur Hayes: Trump Should Veto the CLARITY Act
BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes @CryptoHayes said in a May 13 interview with The Wolf Of All Streets that he hopes Trump vetoes the CLARITY Act. He argued that if Bitcoin and crypto need regulation to survive, they are "not worth a… pic.twitter.com/BRTjUMksD6
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 20, 2026
He also said banks can earn fees from crypto products. That gives financial institutions a business reason to support broader access.
His comments described both client demand and bank revenue interests. The remarks come as more traditional finance firms explore digital asset products.
Hayes said that interest does not mean crypto should change its identity. He framed the issue as a balance between access and independence.
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Institutionalization Remains a Key Concern
Hayes warned against pushing Bitcoin too far toward “institutionalization.” He said such a shift could undermine what crypto has created since its early years.
His comments focused on the risk of making Bitcoin too similar to traditional financial products.
He suggested that too much dependence on institutions could weaken the network’s original ethos.
Hayes said crypto has grown for 15 years without needing full approval from banks or regulators.
He argued that this history matters when lawmakers consider new rules.
The interview added another voice to the debate over crypto legislation in the United States.
Hayes urged Trump to veto the CLARITY Act, while he also noted why banks want exposure.
The discussion reflects a wider split in the crypto market. Some participants want clear rules to attract capital, while others want fewer links to traditional finance.
Hayes placed his argument on the side of Bitcoin’s original purpose.
