Catenaa, Monday, December 29, 2025- US crypto regulation is heading into 2026 with an expanded agenda as the Securities and Exchange Commission pushes new rules while the Commodity Futures Trading Commission gains greater authority.(( https://www.theblock.co/post/372832/the-turf-war-is-over-cftc-acting-chair-caroline-pham-says-as-agencies-look-to-work-together-on-crypto))
Federal regulators are entering a second year of policy shifts under President Donald Trump, with the SEC and CFTC moving away from past jurisdictional disputes.
Both agencies now signal closer coordination on digital asset oversight, after years of disagreement over whether most tokens fall under securities or commodities law.
Joint guidance issued over the past year confirmed that registered exchanges may support certain spot crypto products. Regulators also flagged priorities including round-the-clock markets, perpetual contracts and decentralized finance activity.
The SEC is advancing several initiatives. Chair Paul Atkins has outlined plans for a token taxonomy to clarify which digital assets qualify as securities.
The agency also launched Project Crypto to modernize digital asset rules and is weighing an innovation exemption to speed product approvals.
During 2025, the SEC approved listing standards for multiple crypto exchange traded funds tied to assets beyond bitcoin. It also issued guidance stating that liquid staking and proof of stake activity fall outside securities laws.
Recent steps include custody guidance for broker-dealers handling crypto asset securities.
Tokenization is another focus. The SEC has allowed limited pilot programs through no action relief, including approval for Depository Trust Company to tokenize selected equities and US Treasurys under strict conditions.
At the same time, the CFTC has stepped up its role. The agency launched a Crypto Sprint to clarify rules, withdrew older guidance and set frameworks for listing approved spot crypto products. Michael Selig, confirmed this month as CFTC chair, takes office as lawmakers consider placing the agency at the center of crypto oversight.
Both agencies begin 2026 with vacant commissioner seats, but policy work is expected to continue.
