In a coordinated effort, U.S. securities and commodities regulators have publicly rejected recent rumors that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) might merge. At a joint roundtable, leaders from both agencies emphasized that collaboration—not consolidation—is the goal, and they moved to dispel fears, uncertainty, and doubt (commonly known in crypto circles as “FUD”) over the future of digital asset regulation.
Cointelegraph
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What Really Happened at the Roundtable
The event marked the first time in about 14 years that the SEC and CFTC held a joint roundtable focused on harmonizing regulation—especially for digital assets.
Cointelegraph
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham used her opening remarks to reveal data about the agency’s recent enforcement: 13 enforcement actions in the period after Jan. 20, plus 18 non-enforcement actions before Sept. 3. Her message: the CFTC is active and functioning well, and rumors of instability are misplaced.
Cointelegraph
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SEC Chair Paul Atkins made it clear there is no plan to merge the agencies. Instead, he stressed that the SEC and CFTC should harmonize policy where possible, while maintaining their separate roles.
Cointelegraph
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In his prepared remarks, SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda also addressed the challenge of modern technologies, like blockchain and DeFi, which blur the lines between securities and commodities. He underscored that the agencies must find coordinated ways to regulate without creating overlap or confusion.
SEC
Why the Regulators Are Reacting Now
Rumors of a merger had gained traction amid the growing calls for clearer and more unified crypto regulation. Some in the industry argued that merging the SEC and CFTC might simplify oversight.
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But regulators pushed back, suggesting that a true merger would require Congress and the President to act—not simply administrative decision.
Cointelegraph
By taking the stage together, SEC and CFTC officials are attempting to calm fears that one agency might dominate the other or absorb its functions. Instead, they underscored a future built on “regulatory harmonization”—the idea that both agencies coordinate and share information, while preserving their distinct statutes and responsibilities.
AInvest
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Implications for Crypto Markets & Policy
- Stability and Certainty for Crypto Players
By rejecting merger speculation, regulators hope to reassure crypto firms and investors that sudden institutional upheaval is unlikely. The message: rules may evolve, but the structure isn’t about to be torn up overnight.
- More Focus on Coordinated Oversight
The term “harmonization” appeared repeatedly. The idea is that SEC and CFTC should coordinate on rules, reporting, jurisdiction, and enforcement to avoid duplication or gaps.
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- Pressure for Legislative Action
While administrative cooperation can go far, true clarity for digital assets may require new laws. Regulators mentioned the Crypto Assets Market Structure Act as one legislative vehicle that could define roles and authority more cleanly.
AInvest
- Less FUD, More Communication
Regulators are trying to suppress misinformation and fear. By being transparent about their actions and capabilities, they aim to reduce doubts about whether oversight will be effective or chaotic.
Bottom Line
U.S. regulators have firmly pushed back against rumors of an SEC-CFTC merger, making it clear they see their path ahead in cooperation, not consolidation. Their joint appearance and statements are aimed at reassuring market participants, maintaining regulatory clarity, and asserting that the future of crypto oversight will be built through harmonized action—not institutional overhaul.
