SEC Chairman Paul Atkins recently emphasized that working on crypto regulation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is the top priority for both agencies. At a joint roundtable in Washington, Atkins described crypto as “Job No. 1,” stressing the urgency of developing a more harmonized regulatory framework for digital assets. This collaboration marks a significant shift, as the SEC and CFTC have historically clashed over how to treat cryptocurrencies and their oversight responsibilities.

Both agencies are poised to play central roles in shaping the future of U.S. crypto markets. The SEC will oversee crypto securities, while the CFTC—likely with expanded authority from Congress—will supervise most digital assets transactions. Leaders from both organizations now aim to eliminate previous turf wars and make sure regulation is clear and seamless, allowing firms and platforms to operate without needing to navigate conflicting rules.

A recent joint statement from SEC and CFTC staff further clarified that current laws do not prevent regulated exchanges from offering spot crypto commodity products. This move is widely seen as an effort to encourage innovation, bolster market integrity, and improve investor protection by bringing digital asset trading firmly within the existing regulatory perimeter.

Industry participants and legal experts have welcomed this new spirit of cooperation. For years, the crypto sector has pushed regulators for tailored rules and more clarity, rather than broad and unpredictable enforcement actions. The agencies’ new collaborative approach is expected to encourage competition and foster responsible growth in the U.S. digital asset market, suggesting a more constructive and predictable future for crypto regulation.