Blockchain.com Co-CEO Lane Kasselman says a "Crypto Spring" has arrived, with institutions now driving the cryptocurrency market. Speaking in an interview with Bitcoin Magazine, he argued that the digital asset sector has more bipartisan support in Congress than it has ever had — and that this support is only growing. The framing marks a notable shift in tone from the "crypto winter" language that has hung over the sector — a question the conversation takes up directly.

With the United States midterm elections just weeks away, Kasselman addressed how much political backing crypto really has in Washington. Because midterm outcomes determine which party steers the committees that advance digital asset legislation, his assessment lands at a consequential moment for the industry's agenda on Capitol Hill. He explained why the industry should keep its momentum no matter which party leads, even with theARITY Act currently stalled. The market-structure bill has been among the industry's top legislative priorities, and its delay comes as regulators move ahead on their own track — the interview cites 30+ SEC and CFTC rulemakings already in motion.

Kasselman also broke down Blockchain.com's newly launched options trading offering, a product category commonly used for hedging and positioning, reflecting the exchange's push to serve institutional participants. He also took up the state-by-state money transmitter license problem, a patchwork that requires firms to secure approval separately in each state where they operate — a structural hurdle running alongside the federal rulemaking picture.

The discussion rounds out with segments on self-custody versus custodial wallets around the world, Blockchain.com's role as the liquidity layer for tokenization, and whether AI agents will settle in stablecoins or Bitcoin.

The full interview is available on YouTube. Topics include:

• Blockchain.com launches options trading (00:00)
• Is crypto bipartisan heading into the midterms? (00:48)
• The CLARITY Act stall and 30+ SEC and CFTC rulemakings (01:57)
• The state-by-state money transmitter license problem (03:08)
• How institutions took over the crypto market (04:05)
• Is the crypto winter over? (05:06)
• Self-custody vs. custodial wallets around the world (06:28)
• Blockchain.com as the liquidity layer for tokenization (07:49)
• AI agents and Blockchain.com's June (10:00)
• Will AI agents settle in stablecoins or Bitcoin? (10:56)

For readers tracking what comes next, the near-term markers are the midterm results, any movement on the stalled CLARITY Act, and progress across the 30+ SEC and CFTC rulemakings — the regulatory backdrop to Kasselman's "Crypto Spring" assessment.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BTC Inc., Bitcoin Magazine, or any affiliated entities. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Nothing contained in this show constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Viewers should consult their own advisors before making financial or business decisions.

This post, Blockchain.com CEO: "Crypto Spring" has Arrived – Institutions Driving the Market, first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Patrick Green.