The SEC is ready to step in with its own crypto regulations if the CLARITY Act doesn’t pass Congress soon, SEC Chair Paul Atkins revealed during an interview with CNBC. Despite his confidence that the bill will move forward, Atkins emphasized that the agency has the authority and plans to use rulemaking powers to tackle critical crypto market structure issues if lawmakers stall.
Atkins pointed out that while the SEC is actively collaborating with legislators, offering technical advice and support, formal legislation remains the best way to create a stable and long-lasting regulatory framework for digital assets. He said a statute would provide clear guidance and future-proof oversight, something rulemaking alone can't fully achieve.
However, the legislative timeline looks tight. The Senate has currently put the crypto market structure bill on hold, focusing on a Russia sanctions package and approvals of presidential nominees. This squeeze on floor time, combined with unresolved negotiations over government ethics provisions linked to President Donald Trump’s crypto interests, threatens the bill’s chances before the August recess. If the CLARITY Act doesn’t clear Congress this year, regulatory momentum may shift toward the GENIUS Act and increased rulemaking activity from the SEC and the CFTC.
