SEC & CFTC Chiefs Unite: Charting America's Path to Crypto Capital Status

Paul S. Atkins, chair of the SEC, and Michael S. Selig, chair of the CFTC, will jointly host a public event on January 27, 2026, from 10-11 a.m. ET at the CFTC headquarters in Washington, D.C. The session, called “Harmonization, U.S. Financial Leadership in the Crypto Era,” will feature opening comments, a main speech, and a discussion led by journalist Eleanor Terrett. The event will be broadcast on both agencies’ websites, allowing the public to view discussions on aligning crypto oversight and supporting President Trump’s plan to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”

The main topic will be resolving long-term jurisdictional issues between the SEC (securities) and CFTC (commodities/futures) in the regulation of digital assets. Both chairs have expressed a desire to remove “outdated distinctions,” set up clearer regulatory lines, and form a framework that is good for new ideas while still protecting investors. The discussion is expected to include spot markets, DeFi, stablecoins, and ways to reduce overlap and uncertainty that has held back the industry.

This event comes as Trump pushes a pro-crypto agenda after his 2025 reelection. Atkins, an SEC pick who is friendly to business, and Selig, a CFTC chair focused on bringing things up to date, have already greatly reduced aggressive enforcement. SEC actions related to crypto went down in 2025, and markets expect faster ETF approvals, increased institutional acceptance, and simpler rules as clearer guidelines appear. This collaboration is a key move toward a harmonized crypto policy in the U.S., meant to secure American leadership in the digital asset area.