SEC-CFTC Unity Points to an End of U.S. Crypto Rule Splits

• SEC and CFTC to hold joint public crypto oversight event on Jan 27, signaling alignment.
• The leaders aim to reduce jurisdictional confusion through regulatory harmonization talks.
• Event highlights coordination as Congress delays crypto market structure legislation.

U.S. crypto regulation could take a forward step starting January 27, when the SEC and CFTC will hold a joint public event. The session, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern at CFTC headquarters, brings SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins and CFTC Chairman Michael Selig together. The agencies say the discussion aims to address regulatory harmonization and reduce long-standing jurisdictional confusion in crypto oversight.

A Public Display of Regulatory Alignment

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission confirmed the joint event would be open to the public and livestreamed. According to the SEC, the session focuses on harmonization and U.S. financial leadership in the crypto era. Importantly, the choice of a public forum signals institutional coordination rather than private enforcement discussions.

Paul Atkins said he looks forward to joining Michael Selig to discuss alignment between both agencies. He added that the discussion supports President Donald Trump’s promise to make the United States the crypto capital. Notably, both agencies tied their cooperation directly to that broader federal agenda.

The event takes place at CFTC headquarters, indicating shared ownership of crypto oversight. However, the format remains structured and limited to introductory remarks and a panel discussion. That structure highlights policy design rather than enforcement actions or investigations.

Leadership Ties Reinforce a Shared Direction

Personal history between Atkins and Selig adds context to the coordination. Atkins previously served as Selig’s boss at the SEC before Selig moved to the CFTC. Notably, Selig worked on crypto policy at the SEC before becoming the CFTC’s permanent chairman last month.

Selig replaced interim chair Caroline Pham, who previously participated in similar coordination efforts. In September, Atkins and Pham jointly declared an end to agency turf wars. They also hosted a roundtable on decentralized finance and prediction markets.

Since taking office, Selig has announced a new “future-proof” crypto initiative at the CFTC. That initiative aligns with the agencies’ stated goal of reducing unclear jurisdictional boundaries. According to both chairs, legacy silos have forced market participants to navigate misaligned regulatory designs.

In a joint statement, Atkins and Selig said the event builds on broader harmonization efforts. They emphasized innovation under American law and in the service of U.S. investors and consumers. Notably, the language focused on system design rather than enforcement penalties.

Related: SEC and CFTC Roundtable Seeks Clear Crypto Oversight Rules

Policy Coordination Amid Congressional Delays

While agencies coordinate, Congress continues work on crypto market structure legislation. The Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees are advancing separate bills defining agency oversight roles. However, delays have slowed progress due to ongoing bipartisan negotiations.

Earlier this month, a Senate Banking draft triggered industry concern. That version added restrictions on stablecoin yields and decentralized finance. As a result, Coinbase withdrew support, and the committee delayed its markup.

Meanwhile, Senate Agriculture Republicans released their draft ahead of a scheduled markup next week. That version lacked Democratic support, according to committee disclosures. Both committees must still reconcile differences before a final Senate vote.

Meanwhile, the SEC–CFTC event indicates administrative coordination while lawmakers debate statutory authority. The agencies acknowledged Congress’s role but emphasized near-term policy alignment. The event occurs as staff at both agencies continue drafting oversight frameworks.

The session will open with remarks from each chairman, followed by a joint panel discussion. According to agency statements, the discussion centers on harmonization and U.S. financial leadership. The timing places regulatory coordination alongside legislative uncertainty.

The joint SEC-CFTC event brings agency leadership, shared history, and public transparency into one forum. It indicates ongoing coordination efforts tied to President Trump’s crypto agenda and current congressional debates. The statements, setting, and timing consolidate a clear picture of agencies presenting a unified regulatory approach.