SEC Chairman Confirms U.S. Crypto Bill is Close to Completion: Here’s What You Need to Know

The long-standing friction between Washington and the cryptocurrency sector is showing signs of improvement. Recently, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced that the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 is set to be presented to the President of the United States. Notably, he indicated that the SEC and the CFTC are no longer in conflict and are collaborating to harmonize their regulations.

Key Takeaways

Regulatory Change: SEC Chairman Paul Atkins confirms the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 is ready for presidential approval.
Shift in Oversight: The bill aims to delineate responsibilities between the SEC for investment tokens and the CFTC for digital commodities.
Market Impact: Despite the optimism around the bill, crypto markets remain under pressure, influenced by broader economic concerns.
Foundation for Innovation: The proposed legislation could foster innovation by enabling the tokenization of real-world assets and streamlining regulations for traditional finance.

Crypto market structure bill is ready

Why Isn’t the Crypto Market Responding Positively?

Despite the encouraging news about the bill, the crypto market has not reacted favorably. Current data from CoinMarketCap indicates the total market capitalization has dropped to $3.08 trillion, a decrease of 1.92% in the last 24 hours. This decline is primarily attributed to economic uncertainties stemming from recent tariff decisions made by Donald Trump, heightening fears of tightened global liquidity and driving investors towards less risky assets, distancing them from Bitcoin (BTC) and altcoins.

Resolution of Regulatory Conflicts

For years, cryptocurrency projects have faced uncertainty due to conflicting regulations from the SEC and the CFTC. However, this new legislation proposes a clear distribution of roles. If enacted, the CFTC would govern digital commodities, including Bitcoin and similar decentralized assets, while the SEC would manage investment-style tokens, particularly during initial fundraising phases.

An important component of the bill is the introduction of a "maturity clause," which allows a token to transition from SEC supervision to CFTC oversight once the associated blockchain network becomes sufficiently decentralized and stable. This change could potentially halt the cycle of regulatory enforcement actions that have hindered crypto innovation in the U.S.

Beyond Just Trading

It's important to note that this bill addresses more than just cryptocurrency exchanges. It establishes a framework for the tokenization of real-world assets, allowing items like bonds, funds, and stablecoins to be issued and traded on blockchains. Such clear legislation can facilitate the transition of traditional financial companies to on-chain solutions.

In response to Atkins's comments, one user on X remarked, "If market structure is finally being clarified, that’s a significant unlock. Clear rules do not inhibit innovation; they enable true infrastructure to scale." Another user echoed this sentiment by stating, "Things are about to get incredibly exciting."

Changes in the Regulatory Landscape

Under previous SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, the cryptocurrency industry often found itself on a regulatory tightrope. The return of Donald Trump has altered the atmosphere in Washington, leading to a tone of cooperation between regulatory bodies. Although Gensler's exit has allowed for improved collaboration, the journey toward complete regulatory clarity still faces challenges.

As noted by Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley, while some progress has been achieved, substantial gaps in clarity continue to exist. Nonetheless, this reform has been overdue for years, and it appears that it is finally on the brink of realization. Reflecting on Atkins’s statements, one user on X aptly noted, "This is monumental; clarity has been lacking for years."

Conclusion

The evolving regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the U.S. indicates a potentially significant shift. As the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act moves closer to approval, the implications for innovation and market structure may pave the way for a more robust and clear framework in the cryptocurrency space. The future looks promising, but vigilance is necessary as changes unfold.