Crypto Takes Center Stage: SEC and CFTC Unite on Top Priority Policy

Crypto Takes Center Stage as U.S. SEC, CFTC Harmonize Policies In a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have moved into harmony on policies, with crypto being their top priority, according to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. At a joint roundtable held in Washington, D.C., on Monday, September 29, 2025, the two agencies sought to harmonize rules governing digital assets, an area where they had previously been at odds. The meeting marked a significant shift towards cooperation between the two regulators, with Atkins emphasizing that "crypto is job one" for his agency. "We're moving forward in lockstep on similar efforts to open the policy gates to crypto businesses," Atkins told reporters, highlighting the importance of harmonizing regulations to create a more favorable environment for innovation. The SEC chief's comments underscored the growing recognition within regulatory circles of the need for clear and consistent guidelines governing cryptocurrency activities. The roundtable was part of an ongoing effort by the two agencies to address long-standing differences in their approaches to regulating digital assets. While the CFTC has traditionally viewed cryptocurrencies as commodities subject to its oversight, the SEC has taken a more expansive view, treating many tokens as securities that fall under its jurisdiction. Atkins' comments reflect a growing consensus within regulatory circles that the current patchwork of rules and guidelines governing cryptocurrency activities is hindering innovation and investment in the sector. By harmonizing their policies, the two agencies aim to create a more stable and predictable environment for businesses operating in this space. The development has significant implications for the broader crypto ecosystem, with many industry stakeholders welcoming the move towards greater regulatory clarity. "This is a major step forward for the industry," said Sarah Young, a leading expert on cryptocurrency regulation. "By working together, the SEC and CFTC can create a more level playing field for businesses operating in this space." As the two agencies continue to work towards harmonizing their policies, stakeholders are watching closely for further developments. With crypto being their top priority, it remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the months and years ahead. Background: The SEC and CFTC have long been at odds over the regulation of cryptocurrencies, with each agency taking a different approach to governing digital assets. The SEC has traditionally viewed many tokens as securities subject to its oversight, while the CFTC has treated them as commodities under its jurisdiction. Implications: The harmonization of policies between the two agencies is expected to have significant implications for the broader crypto ecosystem, with many industry stakeholders welcoming the move towards greater regulatory clarity. By creating a more stable and predictable environment for businesses operating in this space, the SEC and CFTC can help unlock investment and innovation in the sector. Next Developments: As the two agencies continue to work towards harmonizing their policies, stakeholders are watching closely for further developments. With crypto being their top priority, it remains to be seen how these efforts will shape the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the months and years ahead. *Reporting by Coindesk.*