SEC chair Paul Atkins declares crypto ‘top regulatory priority’ in policy shift

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has made cryptocurrency its top regulatory priority, according to Chair Paul Atkins. Speaking at the SEC-CFTC Joint Roundtable on Harmonization, Atkins said the renewed focus represents a shift toward protecting investors while supporting innovation and maintaining America’s financial leadership.

Atkins acknowledged that fragmented regulations have long forced businesses to move operations offshore, undermining U.S. market competitiveness. He argued that SEC crypto regulation must evolve to prevent further erosion of American leadership in global finance.

Harmonizing with the CFTC

A major theme of Atkins’ remarks was cooperation with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). At the joint roundtable, he stressed that alignment between the two regulators is crucial for the success of SEC crypto regulation.

He noted that duplicative rulebooks and fragmented oversight had forced crypto firms to operate offshore or face conflicting requirements. By working with the CFTC, the SEC hopes to create a unified regulatory framework that reduces compliance costs while maintaining investor protections.

Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham echoed Atkins’ views, stating that cooperation could reduce costs and foster responsible innovation.

SEC pivots from lawsuits to rulemaking

The SEC is shifting its strategy on digital assets. Rather than relying mainly on enforcement actions, the agency is now prioritizing rulemaking and policy development to address cryptocurrency markets.

Atkins highlighted that new measures, such as innovation exemption rules, are designed to ease the launch of crypto products without compromising investor protection. This pivot in SEC crypto regulation signals a recognition that the industry needs clarity and predictability, not just penalties

Atkins also clarified that cooperation with the CFTC does not mean the agencies will merge. Instead, both regulators will complement one another’s efforts while preserving distinct mandates.

Joint initiatives to strengthen U.S. markets

Collaboration is already underway through projects such as Project Crypto and the CFTC Crypto Sprint, which seek to implement recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets. These initiatives are seen as test cases for the effectiveness of aligned oversight under SEC crypto regulation.

Both Atkins and Pham underscored that unified efforts can strengthen the U.S. financial system without creating unnecessary overlaps. The ultimate goal, they argued, is to position America as a leader in global financial markets while offering businesses clearer rules of engagement

Outlook for global financial leadership

As digital assets continue to grow in importance, SEC crypto regulation is emerging as a central pillar of U.S. economic policy. Atkins insists that clarity, harmonization, and investor protection are non-negotiable if the United States is to remain competitive globally.

For market participants, the new approach signals a more stable regulatory environment. For policymakers, it reflects the balancing act between innovation and oversight. And for investors, it offers hope of fairer, more transparent markets.

The SEC’s pivot under Atkins demonstrates that the debate is no longer about whether cryptocurrency belongs in mainstream finance, but how it should be regulated to strengthen America’s role on the global stage.