SEC and CFTC Unite Behind Project Crypto to Bring Traditional Markets On-Chain

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to align key definitions and coordinate oversight for digital assets. This move is part of Project Crypto, an initiative aimed at modernizing rules to support markets migrating to blockchain rails.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced the agreement in a speech at The Economic Club of New York on June 30, 2026. He framed it as a necessary step to turn a 'regulatory vacuum' into 'fertile ground for innovation.'

The timing is not accidental, coming just before the Senate was set to vote on significant crypto legislation. Banking interests were trying to derail the bill with last-minute changes.

The SEC and CFTC are building a separate regulatory path through agency coordination rather than waiting for Congress to settle every question. Atkins tied the effort to President Trump's goal of making America 'the crypto capital of the world.'