Key Highlights
- SEC Chairman Paul Atkins signals that the SEC and CFTC are ready to implement the bill immediately.
- The CLARITY Act aims to divide the roles between the SEC and CFTC.
- Backed by Scott Bessent, the bill is seen as key to boosting US crypto innovation and regulatory clarity.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins has expressed clear support for the swift passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, stating that both the SEC and CFTC are ready to implement the legislation as soon as Congress sends it to President Donald Trump’s desk.
In response to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s call for action on X, Atkins highlighted “Project Crypto,” the SEC’s initiative to modernize digital asset regulation.
Atkins stated, “Project Crypto is designed so once Congress acts, @SECGov & @CFTC are ready to implement the CLARITY Act.”
Bessent had earlier requested that Republican lawmakers on the Senate Banking Committee hold a markup and advance the bill, noting that “Senate time is precious, and now is the time to act.” He referred to the legislation as essential to onshoring the future of finance and future-proofing markets against “rogue regulators.”
More on the Clarity Act
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act passed the House of Representatives in July 2025, having strong bipartisan support, aiming to set a clear federal framework for digital assets. It delineates regulatory responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC, creating registration pathways for trading platforms and intermediaries.
The bill also introduces protections, disclosure rules, and custody standards. It further addresses stablecoins, DeFi safe harbors, and policies against illegal finance, looking for an end to years of regulatory uncertainty that has influenced some crypto innovation overseas.
Focus on Project Crypto
Atkins rolled out Project Crypto in 2025 as the SEC’s north star to back President Trump’s vision of making the US the “crypto capital of the world.” It mainly aims at token taxonomy, tailored exemptions and safe harbors, refined application of the Howey test, and on-chain market integration.
Atkins has constantly emphasized that while the SEC can offer interim regulatory relief via rulemaking, durable policy needs congressional legislation to avoid future administrations from reversing course.
His comments align with Bessent’s recent op-ed and public statements alerting that continued uncertainty hampers U.S. competitiveness. Treasury officials claim that clear rules would cut regulatory risk, boost institutional participation, and keep crypto development anchored domestically.
Broader context
Atkins highlighted coordination between the SEC and CFTC under Project Crypto, underscoring that the agencies are aligned and prepared for quick implementation. His message presses the broader Trump administration push for pro-innovation policies in digital finance.
His intervention adds weight to calls for immediate action. Passing the CLARITY Act could underscore a turning point, replacing fragmented enforcement with a comprehensive, forward-looking regulatory regime.
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