WASHINGTON, January 29, 2026 — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are doubling down on efforts to establish the United States as a global leader in cryptocurrency, with a joint event scheduled for Thursday to discuss regulatory harmonization. This push aims to clarify the often-murky rules governing digital assets and foster innovation within a defined legal framework.
Navigating the Crypto Landscape: SEC and CFTC Seek Common Ground
Regulators are aiming to streamline rules for digital assets, hoping to attract investment and innovation to the U.S.
- SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins and CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig will co-host a public event on January 29, 2026.
- The event will focus on aligning regulatory approaches to cryptocurrency.
- The goal is to create a clearer path for innovation and investment in the digital asset space.
For too long, companies operating in the cryptocurrency market have struggled with a patchwork of regulations, often unsure which agency has oversight. “For too long, market participants have been forced to navigate regulatory boundaries that are unclear in application and misaligned in design, based solely on legacy jurisdictional silos,” stated Atkins and Selig in a joint announcement. “This event will build on our broader harmonization efforts to ensure that innovation takes root on American soil, under American law, and in service of American investors, consumers, and economic leadership.”
What exactly does “harmonization” mean for the crypto world? It means the SEC and CFTC are working to create a more unified and predictable regulatory environment, reducing confusion and potentially attracting more businesses to the U.S. market.
The event builds on President Trump’s stated goal of positioning the United States as the premier destination for cryptocurrency innovation.
Event Details
The SEC-CFTC harmonization discussion will take place at CFTC Headquarters, located at Three Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. for in-person attendees.
The agenda is as follows:
- 2:00 – 2:05 PM: Introduction from Chairman Paul Atkins
- 2:05 – 2:20 PM: Opening Remarks from Chairman Mike Selig
- 2:20 – 2:50 PM: Fireside Chat with Chairmen Atkins and Selig, moderated by Eleanor Terrett, Co-Founder and Host of Crypto in America.
The event is open to the public and will be webcast live on the SEC’s website. Online attendance requires no registration, but those wishing to attend in person must register in advance.
