Crypto Dealmaking Jumps 44% Despite Clarity Act Uncertainty

And as CoinDesk reported Sunday (Oct. 4), there is a shrinking window for lawmakers to pass the law this year, leaving regulatory bodies to fill the gap and raising questions about the future of crypto dealmaking.

While it might seem like the downfall of the bill would make buyers less interested in acquiring crypto firms, bankers and investors who spoke to CoinDesk don’t expect last month’s setback to halt crypto M&A.

Rather, they predict a more uneven outcome: deals in areas where regulators have already instituted clearer rules could proceed, while businesses in areas facing unresolved regulatory questions could be a tougher sell.

“The Clarity Act’s setback doesn’t change the trajectory,” said Paul McCaffery, head of digital assets at investment bank KBW, arguing that Congress isn’t alone in setting rules for crypto.

“The SEC and CFTC are already moving proactively to provide the regulatory certainty markets need, and that’s unlocking a wave of M&A across digital assets, traditional financial services, and FinTech alike,” McCaffery said.