SEC & CFTC to Team Up on Crypto Regulations Amid Market Surge

Highlights:

• SEC and CFTC consider strengthening collaboration on crypto regulations amid rising focus.
• Trump’s Crypto Czar, David Sacks, pushes Congress for definitive digital asset regulations.
• Brian Quintenz’s appointment as CFTC chair could lead to significant changes for crypto.

In a Feb. 13 post on X, Fox News journalist Eleanor Terrett wrote, citing sources close to the matter, that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are considering ways to strengthen their collaboration on crypto regulations as digital assets become a regulatory focus. 

🚨SCOOPLET: With digital assets becoming a top priority for regulators, the @SECGov and @CFTC are currently discussing ways in which they can effectively collaborate on #crypto regulation, @FoxBusiness has learned.

One idea is to reinstate the charter for the CFTC-SEC joint… pic.twitter.com/5vJGhHyMro

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) February 13, 2025

Reviving CFTC-SEC Joint Committee Signals Renewed Focus on Crypto Regulations

A proposal under review suggests restoring the CFTC-SEC joint advisory committee charter, which was initially formed in 2010 to tackle mutual regulatory challenges. However, it was discontinued in 2014 due to leadership transitions and shifting priorities, remaining inactive ever since. 

Terrett highlighted that CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham pushed for the panel’s return last year. Pham described it as a key step toward a more unified regulatory approach. Since the news surfaced, neither the SEC nor the CFTC has commented on the matter. However, the latest development indicates a possible alignment between the two agencies.

The joint committee talks have resurfaced as President Trump’s newly appointed AI and Crypto Czar, David Sacks, plans to collaborate with Congress on digital assets regulations. Under Trump’s administration, many expect clear crypto rules. The presidential working group on digital asset markets released an official schedule that shows plans to speed up crypto regulation. The schedule requires the U.S. Treasury, the Department of Justice, the SEC, and other agencies to list all laws related to cryptocurrencies and digital assets by the end of February.

Crypto Oversight Shifts as New Leaders Take Charge at SEC and CFTC

These discussions come amid shifts in US financial oversight. With Mark T. Uyeda as acting SEC chair and Paul Atkins nominated, the crypto community anticipates regulatory changes. Atkins, a pro-crypto advocate, may push for a more industry-friendly approach.

Meanwhile, Brian Quintenz, the Global Head of Policy at a16z, revealed that US President Donald Trump has nominated him as the next CFTC Chairman. He previously served as a Commissioner at the agency for four years. In a post on X, he highlighted the CFTC’s role in maintaining strong hedging and price discovery markets.

Quintenz wrote:

“The CFTC plays a critical role in maintaining robust hedging and price discovery markets that are the envy of the globe. The agency is also well poised to ensure the USA leads the world in blockchain technology and innovation”.

Brian Quintenz becoming CFTC chair could bring major changes to the crypto industry. He has been involved in the sector for years. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, also known as “crypto mom,” has urged the SEC and CFTC to collaborate on crypto regulations. She wrote: “Congratulations Brian Quintenz. Looking forward to more SEC-CFTC cooperation. Last time it was Dodd-Frank Title VII. This time crypto”. Peirce has been at the forefront of the SEC’s crypto task force.

Congratulations @brianquintenz. Looking forward to more SEC-CFTC cooperation. Last time it was Dodd-Frank Title VII. This time crypto.

— Hester Peirce (@HesterPeirce) February 12, 2025