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CFTC and SEC Set Ambitious End-of-Year Goals for Crypto Regulation Amid Shutdown

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are ramping up efforts to finalize cryptocurrency regulations before the year's end.

Pham, the Acting Chair of the CFTC, emphasized the agency's focus on "listed spot crypto trading" and "tokenized collateral" by December 2025.

In a recent interview, SEC Chair Paul Atkins acknowledged that the ongoing government shutdown is hindering progress on key initiatives.

Since Congress failed to agree on funding since September 30, critical developments at both agencies are currently stalled.

Atkins expressed a desire for Congress to resume operations so they can advance their regulatory proposals promptly.

Both agencies are aligning their priorities with a recent White House report, which suggests creating safe-harbors for crypto and enabling the CFTC to regulate spot markets for non-security digital assets.

In August, the CFTC announced plans to initiate trading spot crypto asset contracts, while the SEC is pursuing "Project Crypto" aimed at establishing an innovation exemption.

Legislative discussions are also heating up in Washington, as policymakers aim to draft comprehensive rules for the crypto industry.

Meetings including prominent crypto advocates are set to further dialogue around the proposed legislation, which both Democrats and Republicans are eager to push forward.

Atkins remains hopeful that Congress can fulfill the President's request for a completed bill by year-end, which would provide much-needed clarity in the crypto market.