SEC Readies Own Crypto Rules as CLARITY Act Falters in Senate

SEC Chair Paul Atkins has signaled that the agency is prepared to introduce its own rules for key crypto market structure issues if Congress fails to pass the CLARITY Act.

In an interview with CNBC, Atkins emphasized that while he's confident the legislation will clear Congress, congressional action remains the preferred path.

The SEC Chair argued that the CLARITY Act would provide lasting regulatory certainty and future-proof the framework governing digital assets by giving the agency clear direction for overseeing the crypto market.

However, with the Senate having sidelined the legislation for now to focus on other priorities, the industry's efforts to secure the comprehensive bill in 2026 are under threat.