SEC and CFTC Signal Crypto Rulemaking Push After Clarity Act Setback

By Isaac • September 16, 2026 3:11 pm •

The two federal agencies at the center of U.S. crypto oversight say they are prepared to move ahead with rulemaking after the Senate failed to advance the Clarity Act.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael Selig and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins each said Wednesday that existing law gives their agencies room to act. Their statements shift the immediate focus from Congress to the slower, more limited process of agency rulemaking.

Decrypt reported that Selig described the CFTC as ready to move forward with rules for digital-asset markets, while Atkins said the SEC would act within its statutory authority regardless of whether Congress passes a bill. The comments followed a 49-50 procedural vote in