Accion Opportunity Fund Calls on Senate to Pass Clarity Act, Give Small Businesses Clear Rules for Digital Assets

SAN JOSE, Calif. – September 9, 2026 – Today, Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), released a letter urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (“Clarity Act”), which would establish a consistent federal framework for digital assets and blockchain-based innovation.

“The Clarity Act represents an important step toward providing the predictability that businesses need. A well-defined regulatory framework can help establish clear expectations for market participants, strengthen consumer protections, and create an environment where responsible innovation can develop without ambiguity. Regulatory certainty encourages investment, supports entrepreneurship, and enables businesses to focus on growth rather than navigating conflicting interpretations of the law,” said AOF President and Chief Executive Officer Luz Urrutia in the letter.

Urrutia continued, “From AOF’s perspective, this is fundamentally an economic opportunity issue. The United States has long benefited from its ability to foster innovation while maintaining strong standards for consumer protection and market integrity. Achieving that balance is essential if emerging technologies are to deliver meaningful benefits to businesses and communities across the country.

Entrepreneurs should not have to choose between participating in innovation and operating within a clear regulatory framework. They deserve both. The Clarity Act moves the country closer to that objective by providing a foundation for responsible growth while preserving important safeguards for consumers and the broader financial system.”

AOF’s support reflects its broader focus on ensuring underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses can access the capital, knowledge and technologies needed to build successful businesses.

Unlike larger institutions, entrepreneurs often lack the legal and compliance resources needed to navigate unclear or conflicting rules. That challenge is becoming more pressing as small businesses increasingly adopt digital tools and payment methods. A recent AOF survey found that four in five underserved small-business owners say digital tools are critical to running their businesses, while 62% say they have customers interested in paying with cryptocurrency.

View the letter of support.

About Accion Opportunity Fund
As a leading national nonprofit small business lender and Treasury Department-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Accion Opportunity Fund provides affordable loans, free business advising, educational resources, and support networks to fuel long-term success. More than a lender, the organization champions underserved small business owners who are ready to grow, thrive, and build a better future. For over 30 years, Accion Opportunity Fund has expanded access to economic opportunity by creating pathways to both financial and knowledge capital.

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