Ripple CEO Sees Bipartisan Crypto Regulation Momentum in U.S.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has recently expressed optimism about the potential for a constructive crypto regulatory framework in the U.S. Following productive meetings with key policymakers in Washington, D.C., Garlinghouse highlighted bipartisan momentum towards establishing a clear and innovation-friendly regulatory framework for the crypto industry.

Among those present at the meetings were influential figures like Senator Tim Scott, Rep. Ritchie Torres, and other congressional leaders. Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, also attended, signaling the company's commitment to shaping policy. The U.S. has long grappled with regulatory ambiguity, especially during the previous administration's enforcement-heavy approach. However, under President Trump's leadership, the tide is shifting. His pro-crypto stance includes appointing advocates to pivotal roles and forming a digital asset working group to craft federal guidelines.

Garlinghouse even proposed a multi-cryptocurrency national reserve during his meeting with Trump. With these developments, Ripple anticipates a future of regulatory clarity, fostering growth and innovation across the industry.

Meanwhile, a hybrid Layer-2 project for Bitcoin, PlutoChain ($PLUTO), could redefine Bitcoin's expansion by integrating smart contracts. Bitcoin's biggest limitation has always been its inability to support smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) natively. While networks like Ethereum and Solana have built thriving ecosystems with DeFi, NFTs, and AI projects, Bitcoin has remained primarily a store of value.

PlutoChain's infrastructure could allow developers to build on Bitcoin while benefiting from low fees, high-speed transactions, and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. With its own 2-second block time, PlutoChain overcomes Bitcoin's slow confirmation bottleneck of 10 minutes, potentially making decentralized finance on Bitcoin a reality. Developers would be able to migrate Ethereum-based applications seamlessly, possibly creating a bridge between the two most dominant blockchains.

Security is another key factor. PlutoChain has successfully passed audits from reputable firms, reinforcing trust in its network. Its testnet also validates its potential, processing an impressive 43,200 daily transactions and showcasing readiness for widespread adoption. Additionally, its governance model gives platform users direct influence over protocol upgrades, ensuring decentralized decision-making.

In conclusion, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse's optimism about a U.S.