Catenaa, Wednesday, , April 01, 2026- Anchorage Digital and Chainlink Labs on Monday launched the Blockchain Leadership Fund, a political action committee aimed at backing pro-cryptocurrency candidates ahead of the US midterm elections as lawmakers remain divided on digital asset regulation.
The fund will support candidates who favor clearer market structure rules, agency oversight frameworks and blockchain adoption policies. The launch comes as Senate negotiations over the CLARITY Act, a major crypto regulatory bill, face delays tied to disagreements over stablecoin rules.
Both companies said the upcoming elections could shape the direction of digital asset legislation for years, particularly after the House passed earlier versions of market structure reforms.
Crypto firms have increased political engagement in recent election cycles, with industry-backed PACs playing a growing role in shaping policy debates. In 2024, crypto-related political spending reached record levels and contributed to several closely contested congressional races.
Groups such as Fairshake and Stand With Crypto have already committed large sums toward voter outreach and campaign support. The new fund adds another layer to this expanding political network.
The push comes as lawmakers debate how to divide oversight between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, with industry participants seeking clearer rules to reduce enforcement risks.
The creation of the Blockchain Leadership Fund signals deeper involvement by infrastructure-focused crypto firms in US politics. Unlike earlier efforts led by exchanges, this fund emphasizes custody and data infrastructure, reflecting broader industry interests.
If successful, the PAC could influence key races in competitive districts and shape committee leadership in Congress. Lawmakers elected with industry backing may push for legislation that supports innovation while setting clearer compliance standards.
The fund also highlights rising competition between banks and crypto platforms over stablecoin rules. Financial institutions argue that allowing yields on stablecoins could pull deposits away from traditional banks, while crypto firms say restrictions would limit innovation and consumer choice.
Industry representatives say engagement in policymaking has become necessary as regulation evolves. Anchorage Digital, which operates under a federal banking charter, has emphasized the need for regulatory clarity to expand institutional participation.
Chainlink Labs, known for its blockchain data services, has pointed to the complexity of market structure legislation, especially around stablecoins and cross-platform operations.
Analysts note that political spending by the crypto sector is likely to increase further as companies seek to secure favorable regulatory frameworks. Some observers, however, warn that growing financial influence in elections could raise concerns about policy capture.
Anchorage Digital became the first federally chartered digital asset bank in the United States in 2021, offering custody and settlement services to institutional clients. Chainlink Labs develops decentralized oracle networks used across multiple blockchain ecosystems.
The CLARITY Act, currently under Senate review, aims to define how digital assets are regulated, including assigning oversight responsibilities between federal agencies. Disagreements over stablecoin provisions have slowed progress.
Political action committees allow companies and groups to raise and spend money to influence elections, making them a central tool for industries seeking to shape public policy.
The midterm elections are expected to determine control of key congressional committees that oversee financial regulation, making them a focal point for the crypto sector’s political strategy.
