Bitget CEO Gracy Chen says the exchange will expand into the U.S. regardless of whether the CLARITY Act becomes law, signaling confidence in its long-term strategy.
Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget is moving forward with plans to enter the U.S. market regardless of whether Congress passes the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, according to CEO Gracy Chen.
Speaking in an interview with The Block, Chen said the company has already decided to expand into the United States after previously shelving its plans in 2022 amid regulatory uncertainty. While she acknowledged that comprehensive crypto legislation would make market entry easier, she emphasized that Bitget's U.S. strategy no longer depends on the bill's passage.
The comments come as lawmakers continue negotiating the CLARITY Act, legislation designed to establish a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets by defining the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Bitget Commits to U.S. Expansion
According to Chen, Bitget has made a strategic decision to enter the U.S. market despite ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
The exchange had originally paused its U.S. ambitions in 2022 as regulators intensified scrutiny of cryptocurrency companies. However, Chen said recent changes in the regulatory environment and the company's growing global compliance efforts have renewed confidence in pursuing the world's largest financial market.
Although she expressed concern that the CLARITY Act could face delays as the U.S. midterm election cycle approaches, Chen said Bitget's expansion plans will continue regardless of the legislative timeline.
Why the CLARITY Act Matters
The CLARITY Act aims to provide long-awaited legal certainty for the U.S. cryptocurrency industry by establishing which digital assets fall under securities laws and which qualify as commodities.
Supporters argue that clearer rules could encourage innovation, attract institutional investment, and reduce compliance uncertainty for exchanges and blockchain companies. However, negotiations continue over several provisions, including ethics-related language that remains one of the biggest obstacles to final approval.
Even if the legislation is delayed, Chen indicated Bitget intends to work within the existing regulatory framework while continuing discussions with U.S. authorities.
Part of Bitget's Universal Exchange Strategy
The planned U.S. expansion aligns with Bitget's broader vision of becoming a Universal Exchange (UEX) that combines cryptocurrencies with traditional financial assets.
In recent months, the company has expanded beyond digital asset trading by introducing products tied to tokenized U.S. stocks, pre-IPO investments, stock options, and cross-asset trading. The strategy aims to allow users to access multiple asset classes from a single platform while using blockchain technology to improve capital efficiency.
Chen has described tokenization as a major long-term trend that could reshape global capital markets by making traditional assets more accessible through blockchain infrastructure.
Regulatory Compliance Remains a Priority
Despite its ambitious expansion plans, Bitget has continued emphasizing regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
The exchange has pursued licenses in several international markets while strengthening its compliance programs as regulators worldwide introduce more comprehensive rules for digital asset platforms. According to Chen, Bitget plans to continue obtaining approvals in key jurisdictions as part of its long-term growth strategy.
Entering the U.S. would likely require the company to navigate a complex regulatory landscape involving federal and state authorities, even if broader crypto legislation is eventually enacted.
What the Expansion Could Mean
A successful U.S. launch would give Bitget access to one of the world's largest pools of retail and institutional investors while increasing competition among major global cryptocurrency exchanges.
The move could also accelerate the adoption of tokenized financial products in the United States if regulators permit broader access to blockchain-based versions of traditional assets.
However, industry observers note that operating in the U.S. remains significantly more challenging than many international markets due to evolving regulatory requirements and multiple oversight agencies. The timing and scope of Bitget's launch will likely depend on licensing approvals and compliance obligations, regardless of the fate of the CLARITY Act.
Conclusion
Bitget's decision to pursue a U.S. launch regardless of the CLARITY Act reflects growing confidence among global cryptocurrency firms that the American market remains too important to ignore. While clearer legislation could simplify market entry, CEO Gracy Chen has made it clear that the exchange is prepared to move forward under the current regulatory framework if necessary.
As Congress continues debating crypto market structure reforms, Bitget's planned expansion highlights the industry's broader push toward regulated growth, greater compliance, and the integration of digital assets with traditional financial markets. Whether the CLARITY Act is approved in the coming months or not, competition for the U.S. crypto market appears set to intensify.
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