Key Takeaways
- •Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev is calling for the United States to take a leading role in establishing clear cryptocurrency policy.
- •Staking services are currently unavailable to users in four US states due to regulatory uncertainty.
- •Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has expressed dissatisfaction with proposed Senate crypto market structure legislation.
Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood Markets, stated on X on January 15, 2026, that the US needs to lead in crypto policy to facilitate features like staking. Tenev's call for clear regulations underscores the regulatory disparities impacting US markets and features such as crypto staking.
Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev emphasized the necessity for the US to lead in crypto policy, advocating for clearer regulations to resolve the gridlock that is affecting staking availability in states including California and New Jersey.
Vlad Tenev remarked, "It's time for the US to lead," pointing out that staking, a feature highly requested by users, remains inaccessible in several states due to existing regulatory conditions.
The lack of clarity in US cryptocurrency regulations directly impacts users, with staking being restricted in significant markets. Staking has been a frequently requested feature by customers on platforms like Robinhood.
Staking is one of the most requested features on Robinhood app, but it’s still unavailable to customers in four US states due to the current gridlock. Stock Tokens are available to our customers in the EU, but not in our home market.
— Vlad Tenev (@vladtenev) January 15, 2026
Other industry leaders, such as Coinbase's Brian Armstrong, have withdrawn their support for current legislative efforts, deeming them insufficient. Armstrong expressed concerns regarding proposed bills, characterizing them as detrimental to existing market practices.
The Senate’s crypto market structure bill is not good. It’s going to be hard to support.
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) January 15, 2026
These staking limitations highlight the broader discrepancies between US and EU crypto markets. Users in the EU have access to stock tokens, while such options are restricted within the US.
The persistent stagnation in US regulations could impede future innovations within the crypto industry. Historical patterns indicate that delays in US regulatory frameworks often hinder product developments, in contrast to the EU's proactive approach, exemplified by initiatives like MiCA.
Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood Markets, stated, "Staking is one of the most requested features on Robinhood app, but it’s still unavailable to customers in four US states due to the current gridlock. Stock Tokens are available to our customers in the EU, but not in our home market."