Statement Summary
The SEC and CFTC have announced a joint initiative aimed at regulatory harmonization, including a roundtable scheduled for September 29, 2025, to discuss aligning their frameworks. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline Pham emphasized the importance of this collaboration to enhance clarity for market participants and investors, while encouraging innovation. They aim to harmonize product definitions, streamline regulations, and utilize exemptions effectively, setting a foundation for more coherent U.S. markets. The roundtable will be open to the public and will be livestreamed, highlighting the agencies’ commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders.
Original Statement
The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) today issued a joint statement on regulatory harmonization opportunities and announced a joint roundtable to be held on Sept. 29, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“It is a new day at the SEC and the CFTC, and today we begin a long-awaited journey to provide markets the clarity they deserve,” said SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins and CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham in the statement. “By working in lockstep, our two agencies can harness our nation’s unique regulatory structure into a source of strength for market participants, investors and all Americans.”
“Tuesday’s joint staff statement on spot crypto asset products is only a first step,” they continued. “To the extent possible and appropriate in the public interest under existing statutes, our respective agencies should consider harmonizing product and venue definitions; streamlining reporting and data standards; aligning capital and margin frameworks; and standing up coordinated innovation exemptions using each agency’s existing exemptive authority.”
The roundtable will be an opportunity to discuss regulatory harmonization priorities. It will be held at the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C, and will be open to the public and webcast live on the SEC’s website. Please register for in-person attendance. Visitors will be subject to security checks. A recording of the roundtable will be later posted on the SEC website. The agenda and participants will be posted on the SEC event webpage at a later date.
“This roundtable represents a pivotal step toward building more coherent and competitive U.S. markets,” Chairman Atkins and Acting Chairman Pham said. “By working together to align our regulatory frameworks, the SEC and CFTC can reduce unnecessary barriers, enhance market efficiency, and create space for innovation to thrive. Our shared goal is to ensure that America remains the global leader in capital markets.”
