CFTC Advances Crypto Rules, Regardless of CLARITY Act

CFTC Chair Michael Selig has announced that the agency will proceed with developing rules for the crypto market, even if Congress fails to pass the CLARITY Act. The bill aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets and clarify oversight by the CFTC and SEC.

The CFTC had already prepared some rule proposals, providing an alternative route in case the lawmakers fail to come to terms on the bill. Selig stated that 'crypto will get market structure regardless of the bill,' indicating that the agency is not going to wait indefinitely for Congress to act.

The CLARITY Act has been pending in Congress, with the Senate Banking Committee approving its version in May 2026. However, the lawmakers are still negotiating several points, including ethics rules and stablecoin rewards. A cloture vote on the motion to proceed is scheduled for September 15, requiring at least 60 votes.