Goldman Sachs CEO Discloses Bitcoin Stake, Backs Regulatory Push Amid Industry Standoff

The Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon addressed digital assets and regulation during remarks at the World Liberty Forum on Wednesday. He outlined his personal position on Bitcoin and commented on ongoing legislative efforts in Washington. His statements come as debate over crypto oversight continues in Congress.

Goldman Sachs CEO on Bitcoin Stake and Regulatory Limits

According to a Forbes report, David Solomon personally owns Bitcoin, although “very little.” The Goldman Sachs CEO made the revelation when he was speaking at the World Liberty Forum on Wednesday. He said he was an “observer of Bitcoin” who follows the market as part of his understanding about how it is developing.

Digital assets are part of a bigger structural change in the financial markets, David Solomon added. Claims that banks and crypto firms are foes were dismissed. Both work with one financial system, he said — even if disagreements over policy emerge.

The only significant factor capping the extent of bank activity in crypto applications is regulatory limits. Rules in place now prohibit big institutions from holding or directly trading Bitcoin. David Solomon said legislative clarity would determine future engagement.

There was also talk of the industry market structure bill that has stalled in Congress. Crypto companies that aren’t interested in talking to lawmakers “should move to El Salvador,” David Solomon added. 

Notably, Goldman Sachs crypto exposure via exchange-traded products increased in the fourth quarter of last year. The asset holding via BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust exceeded $1 billion by the end of 2025. The combined positions held in Solana and XRP exchange-traded funds were $260 million.

Market making in Bitcoin and Ethereum could be considered if regulations evolve, David Solomon indicated. As CoinGape reported, Bitcoin has previously been described by him as an “interesting” speculative asset.

Armstrong and Moreno Signal Progress on Crypto Legislation

Meanwhile, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong appeared alongside Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno on CNBC interview at the same event in Mar-a-Lago. Armstrong said he believed a “win-win” compromise could be reached as talks progressed on Capitol Hill. “There is now a path forward,” he said.

If it is passed, the bill would be a win for the crypto industry, banks and American consumers, Armstrong said. He repeated the objective of making the United States the crypto capital of the world. Movement in talks, he said, is a glimmer after months of uncertainty.  

Armstrong maintained that stablecoin rewards are necessary to build the industry in the United States. Some banks are already “leaning in” on digital assets, he said, with partnerships forming between institutions and Coinbase. Embracing innovation would help maintain U.S. competitiveness on a global stage, he added.

As CoinGape reported, the White House will hold another meeting as crypto firms and banks remain divided over the stablecoin yield deal. Banks want a broad ban on the distribution of stablecoin yields by crypto firms to users. 

Senator Moreno, who is a member of the Senate Banking Committee, opined that the stablecoin rewards shouldn’t be an issue, as it is good for Americans. Competition for consumer dollars would be a good thing, he said. Moreno added that he was hopeful the bill would pass, likely being finalized by April.