SEC and CFTC announce new crypto regulatory era

SEC and CFTC unveil a new era of crypto regulation in the U.S., featuring interagency cooperation, an innovation exemption for tokenized securities, instant settlement, and greater regulatory clarity.

At the Bitcoin 2026 conference, Paul Atkins and Mike Selig announced a major shift in U.S. regulatory policy for digital assets. They highlighted a new era of cooperation between the SEC and CFTC, aiming to retain crypto activity within the country and provide a clear framework for digital asset classification. Atkins revealed plans for an upcoming 'innovation exemption,' which will enable companies to experiment with tokenized securities on-chain and raise capital through blockchain-based token sales. He also stressed the importance of adopting instant settlement for securities using blockchain technology, eliminating risks associated with delayed settlement. The SEC's updated approach will focus on the issuer's investment commitment when classifying tokens. This new regulatory stance is designed to reduce uncertainty, foster innovation, and boost market confidence.