TLDR
- SEC and CFTC emphasize collaboration on digital asset regulation efforts.
- CFTC Chair Caroline Pham dispels FUD regarding crypto enforcement actions.
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins clarifies no plan to merge SEC and CFTC agencies.
- Industry leaders from Kraken and Crypto.com participate in roundtable panels.
Officials from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) met on Monday for their first joint roundtable in nearly 14 years. The primary focus was on the “regulatory harmonization efforts” that could impact the cryptocurrency sector.
This meeting marks a crucial step in addressing the regulatory framework surrounding digital assets, a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years.
CFTC Chair Caroline Pham Discusses Crypto Regulation
During the roundtable, acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham emphasized the significance of collaboration between the two agencies in shaping the regulatory future for digital assets. Pham, the last remaining commissioner at the CFTC after a wave of resignations in 2025, highlighted how combined efforts could alter the regulatory landscape for the crypto industry.
She also took the opportunity to address “fear, uncertainty, and doubt” (FUD) surrounding the CFTC’s approach to crypto. Pham pointed out that the agency had taken 18 actions, excluding enforcement cases, between January 20 and September 3. This period also saw 13 enforcement actions, with some including lawsuits related to digital assets. Following September 4, the CFTC had taken an additional 14 actions.
Notably, Pham reassured attendees that the CFTC is actively engaged in cryptocurrency regulation, dispelling concerns about the agency’s inactivity in the crypto space. Her comments underscored the ongoing efforts of the CFTC to regulate the growing digital asset market.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins Stresses Collaboration, Not Merger
SEC Chair Paul Atkins also made a statement during the roundtable, clarifying that the two agencies would collaborate, not consolidate, on cryptocurrency regulations. He emphasized that the potential for merging the SEC and CFTC was a matter for Congress and the President, not the agencies themselves.
Atkins’ remarks were likely aimed at dispelling any speculation about a possible merger between the two regulatory bodies. His focus on collaboration instead of consolidation signals the SEC’s commitment to maintaining its distinct role while working alongside the CFTC to ensure a cohesive regulatory approach for the crypto industry.
Industry Leaders Weigh In During Panels
The roundtable also featured panels with executives from prominent cryptocurrency companies such as Kraken and Crypto.com. These industry leaders discussed the practical implications of the evolving regulatory environment for digital asset companies.
The panel discussions were moderated by former CFTC Chair J. Christopher Giancarlo and former commissioner Jill Sommers. As the event continued, industry participants were given a platform to engage with both agencies and share their perspectives on how future regulations might affect the cryptocurrency market.
