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SEC and CFTC Leaders Speak Out: “Practical Crypto Regulations” on the Way – Here’s What to Expect
The leading figures of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission expressed a growing agreement on cryptocurrency regulation this week, suggesting that more uniform regulations may soon be implemented.
During a segment on CNBC prior to a joint public appearance in Washington, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and CFTC Chairman Mike Selig stated that the regulatory landscape for crypto is approaching a critical juncture after years of uncertainty stemming from unclear jurisdiction and enforcement oversight.
Source: CNBC
Their comments align with Congress moving closer to passing legislation that will clarify which agency oversees different facets of the digital asset market.
Atkins Highlights Limited SEC Focus as Senate Discusses Crypto Regulations
Atkins acknowledged that the bill is currently at a delicate stage. Following the House’s approval, the Senate is now deliberating it within both the Agriculture Committee and the Senate Banking Committee as lawmakers seek to reconcile conflicting policy priorities.
Recent regulatory updates underscore a familiar truth in Washington: there is a consensus that crypto requires rules — yet a unified approach remains elusive. #Crypto #Regulations https://t.co/ug31wuHAPc
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 23, 2026
Recent regulatory updates underscore a familiar truth in Washington: there is a consensus that crypto requires rules — yet a unified approach remains elusive. #Crypto #Regulations https://t.co/ug31wuHAPcHe explained that regulators are no longer leading the discussion but are instead providing technical assistance to lawmakers. While disagreements persist, the SEC has been working with both committees to help craft a feasible policy.
One area of contention is the overlap between cryptocurrency activities and traditional banking, particularly regarding stablecoins, deposits, and yield-generating products.
This debate has intensified in recent months as Coinbase has made a bolder entry into payments and financial services, drawing opposition from banks and some policymakers.
Coinbase CEO @brian_armstrong stated that the exchange cannot endorse the Senate’s crypto bill as currently drafted, cautioning that it would negatively impact tokenized equities, DeFi, and privacy while undermining the CFTC. #Coinbase #CryptoPolicy https://t.co/kMbxepaWYk
— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 15, 2026
Atkins pointed out that stablecoins, in and of themselves, are not an immediate concern for the SEC, as they have already been addressed in congressional actions.
He stressed that the SEC’s main focus remains on activities related to securities, including tokenized securities, and indicated that the agency is ready to operate within whatever parameters Congress ultimately establishes.
Selig Positions Crypto Legislation as a Reassessment of CFTC Authority
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Selig reiterated this stance, noting that stablecoins and yield products do not precisely align with the CFTC’s jurisdiction either.
He remarked that the proposed legislation is crucial for its potential to extend the CFTC’s authority over cryptocurrency spot markets.
The Senate unveils a new draft of the Crypto Market Structure Bill aimed at broadening @CFTC authority over digital commodities like $BTC and $ETH.
#ClarityAct #CFTC https://t.co/qKO9rR7aYs— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) November 11, 2025
The Senate unveils a new draft of the While the agency already possesses extensive powers to address fraud and market manipulation related to commodities, Selig mentioned that the bill would enable the CFTC to go beyond enforcement and establish a formal regulatory structure for spot trading in digital assets.
The comments signified a noteworthy shift in attitude between the two agencies, which have experienced years of jurisdictional conflicts over crypto regulation.
Atkins dismissed rumors regarding a potential merger, referring to the SEC and CFTC as historically distinct entities.
He pointed out that the real issue has been the ambiguous territory between them, where uncertainty over authority has impeded product development and compelled companies to move their operations overseas.
U.S. Crypto Regulators Signal a Reset After Years of Jurisdictional Conflicts
Atkins also addressed worries expressed by Senator Elizabeth Warren and other critics concerning crypto exposure in retirement accounts.
He stated that many Americans already have indirect exposure through professionally managed pension funds and that discussions about broadening access to crypto in retirement plans are focused on proceeding cautiously, ensuring protections are in place for retirees.
To conclude the interview, Selig described the overarching initiative as an opportunity to reverse a trend that has driven crypto innovation overseas for the past decade.
The remarks come as lawmakers prepare for a significant markup session on Thursday morning regarding the Senate Agriculture Committee’s section of the crypto market structure bill.
The outcome of the markup is anticipated to provide an early indication of the level of bipartisan support the legislation maintains as it progresses.
Later today, Atkins and Selig are expected to appear together at CFTC headquarters for a public event focused on regulatory harmonization, which was rescheduled from earlier this week.
The post SEC & CFTC Chairs Break Silence: “Sensible Crypto Rules” Coming – Here’s What Changes appeared first on Cryptonews.
