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U.S. SEC to Boost Coordination with CFTC, Says Chair Paul Atkins

U.S. SEC to Boost Coordination with CFTC, Says Chair Paul Atkins

According to CFTC Chair Michael Selig, the agency is preparing for potential spot crypto oversight under pending U.S. legislation while expanding coordination with the SEC to reduce regulatory overlap.

Fact Check
The statement is directly confirmed by official announcements from both the SEC and CFTC on March 11, 2026. SEC Chair Paul Atkins' quotes regarding the stifling of innovation due to overlapping rules are accurately reflected in his official speeches and press statements (SEC.gov, CFTC.gov).
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Summary

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission signed an updated memorandum of understanding on March 12 to formalize cooperation where their responsibilities overlap, including crypto asset regulation and new digital asset products. The SEC and CFTC said the new agreement replaces a 2018 MOU and strengthens regulatory coordination across six shared areas of financial market oversight. New reporting adds that CFTC Chair Michael Selig said the agency is prepared to oversee crypto spot markets if U.S. legislation passes, is working with David Sacks on legislation, and is coordinating an MOU with the SEC to share information and avoid overlapping regulation. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has said overlapping rules and duplicate registration have stifled innovation.

Terms & Concepts
  • SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission): A federal agency that regulates securities markets and oversees offerings, disclosures, and investor protections in the United States.
  • CFTC (U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission): A U.S. regulator that oversees derivatives markets such as futures and swaps, and may gain authority over crypto spot markets under new legislation.
  • crypto spot markets: Markets where digital assets are bought and sold for immediate settlement, rather than through derivatives such as futures contracts.