US Election: A Catalyst for Blockchain Adoption in Finance?

The upcoming 2024 US presidential election is poised to have a significant impact on the blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape, with candidates' stances on regulation and adoption potentially shaping the future of finance. This article explores how the election could accelerate or hinder blockchain adoption in the financial sector.

The intersection of cryptocurrency and politics is gaining traction, with candidates increasingly acknowledging the importance of digital assets. According to a Harris Poll conducted in November 2023, 47% of American voters expect crypto to enter their investment portfolios, signaling growing acceptance and adoption. As investors embrace cryptocurrencies, discussions around regulation are becoming more prevalent, forcing presidential candidates to address the issue.


Cryptocurrency policies are a bigger factor in the 2024 election than ever before. Former President Donald Trump, previously known for his crypto skepticism, now accepts crypto donations and has given industry defenders a platform to speak about their beliefs. Meanwhile, current President Joe Biden's campaign claims to be seeking guidance from cryptocurrency firms on good "crypto community and crypto policy moving forward."

Either way, a presidential acknowledgment of cryptocurrencies is not surprising, given the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January and hints at future pro-crypto policies on either side of the political spectrum. This regulatory decision legitimizes crypto assets in the eyes of the government and makes Bitcoin more accessible, attracting new investors who may vote for a president claiming to protect their new asset class.


Crypto campaign donations are also influencing U.S. politics. Industry donors have contributed $94 million to federal election political committees between 2023 and May 17, 2024. Political committees receiving significant crypto campaign donations could influence their political strategy, potentially leading to politicians increasingly promising crypto-friendly laws to acquire more funds.

Presidential candidates' stances on Bitcoin regulation could either hinder or boost blockchain adoption in finance. In 2021, President Trump said Bitcoin "seems like a scam," calling for more regulation against cryptocurrencies. However, he has since softened his stance, pledging to support crypto in May 2024. Meanwhile, President Biden's campaign claims to be seeking guidance on good "crypto community and crypto policy moving forward," but many believe he stands staunchly against the crypto industry.

The influence of crypto-friendly PACs and donors could shape candidates' views on blockchain technology and its integration into finance. A group of three affiliated super PACs backed by prominent figures in the crypto sphere revealed plans in December 2023 to invest a substantial $78 million with the aim of supporting crypto-friendly candidates in upcoming political campaigns. The group reportedly spent around $10 million on attack ads in an attempt to sway voters against Representative Katie Porter (D-CA) in the race to represent California in the Senate.

In conclusion, the 2024 US presidential election could have a major impact on blockchain adoption in finance, with candidates' stances on regulation and adoption potentially shaping the future of the industry. As the election approaches, investors and enthusiasts alike should pay close attention to the candidates' policies and the influence of crypto-friendly PACs and donors. The choices made in the voting booth could well determine the trajectory of this transformative technology and its integration into the financial sector.