Key Highlights
- U.S. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins highlights ongoing regulatory efforts to provide “greater certainty” to the cryptocurrency market
- His statement comes after releasing the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions.
- A few days ago, the SEC and CFTC jointly released a statement on crypto trading
On September 4, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman, Paul Atkins, released a statement right after unveiling the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions.
Paul Atkins Highlights Ongoing Legislative Efforts
In his statement, Paul Atkins stated that this agenda will “clarify the regulatory framework for crypto assets and provide greater certainty to the market.”
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 SEC Chair Paul Atkins says providing regulatory framework for crypto is a ‘key priority.’
“It’s a new day at the SEC.” pic.twitter.com/n1Sbium4W1
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) September 4, 2025
“It also covers a number of envisioned deregulatory rule proposals to reduce compliance burdens and facilitate capital formation, including by simplifying pathways for raising capital and investor access to private businesses. It discusses amending existing rules to improve and modernize them as well as address disclosure burdens,” Paul Atkins added further.
In a press release, Paul Atkins has also fired a shot at the Biden-era SEC, which is known for its hostile stance against crypto innovations. The previous Gary Gensler-led SEC used to heavily rely on enforcement actions to curb the emergence of cryptocurrency.
“The agenda reflects our withdrawal of a host of items from the last Administration that do not align with the goal that regulation should be smart, effective, and appropriately tailored within the confines of our statutory authority,” Paul Atkins stated in a press release.
Spring Agenda Comes After SEC-CFTC’s Joint Statement on Crypto Trading
U.S. financial regulators have taken a major step to welcome cryptocurrency trading. In a new joint statement, the SEC and CFTC confirmed that registered national exchanges are allowed to list certain spot crypto products. This clarity is expected to boost innovation and make the U.S. more competitive in digital assets.
Initiatives like the SEC’s “Project Crypto” and the CFTC’s “Crypto Sprint” are driving this shift. They encourage established exchanges like Nasdaq and CME to offer crypto within existing rules. Agency leaders stated this collaborative approach supports market growth and consumer choice.
This policy change allows traditional trading venues to explore crypto products, including those with leverage. Regulators will provide guidance to ensure fair and orderly markets. While broader legislation is still pending, this move signals a friendlier environment for crypto in the U.S.
U.S. regulators are building a more open environment for cryptocurrency. The SEC and CFTC are expanding their efforts well beyond last year’s joint statement. Their goal is to encourage innovation while ensuring strong investor protections. This shift aims to make America a global hub for digital finance.
Regulatory Agencies Want a Clear Regulatory Framework for Crypto
A major factor is the SEC’s “Project Crypto,” led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. The initiative is updating old securities rules to include digital assets. The agency is holding public roundtables across the country throughout 2025. These meetings specifically include smaller crypto businesses in policy talks. The SEC is also working to better define its own authority over various tokens.
At the same time, the CFTC’s “Crypto Sprint” is creating new frameworks for crypto markets. Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham is seeking public input on listing crypto derivatives. The agency wants to make compliance simpler for exchanges. It is also considering a pilot program to test new regulatory ideas.
Both agencies are working together to clarify their roles. The SEC handles securities, and the CFTC oversees commodities like Bitcoin. This teamwork reduces confusing overlaps for companies. Recently dropped lawsuits signal a new preference for guidance over punishment.
Supported by pending laws like the CLARITY Act, these actions are creating a clearer, safer path for crypto growth in the U.S.
