U.S. CFTC and SEC Unite to Bring Regulatory Clarity and Boost Crypto Innovation

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have entered a new era of collaboration aimed at providing long-awaited regulatory clarity for the cryptocurrency market. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham announced that both agencies are now prioritizing harmonization over competition, signaling the end of “regulation by enforcement” that has long frustrated the digital asset industry.

Speaking with Fox Business, Pham revealed that the CFTC and SEC are working together to position the United States as the global leader in crypto innovation. The CFTC’s “Crypto Sprint” initiative, now midway through its 12-month plan, is implementing recommendations from the President’s Working Group on digital assets. Pham also confirmed that the agency plans to introduce listed spot crypto trading on one of its futures exchanges by year-end, while issuing new guidance on tokenized collateral, including stablecoins.

Looking ahead, the CFTC will propose technical updates to rules governing collateral, margin, clearing, and settlement to better integrate blockchain technology into the regulated financial system. “We’ve ended the regulatory desert,” Pham said, noting that crypto businesses are returning to the U.S. due to increased clarity and commitment from regulators.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins echoed this sentiment, emphasizing coordination over merger discussions between the two regulators. He acknowledged that past turf wars hindered innovation, while Pham called the new partnership a “return to regular order.”

The cooperative approach between the CFTC and SEC marks a major policy shift, paving the way for regulated spot crypto trading and institutional participation. As a result, crypto firms once eyeing offshore jurisdictions are now expanding in key U.S. hubs like New York and California. With regulatory uncertainty replaced by collaboration, the U.S. aims to reclaim its position as the world’s hub for blockchain and digital asset innovation.