Trump Administration Regulators Ready to Unveil Crypto Rules to Promote Industry Growth
By Dylan Tokar, The Wall Street Journal — January 29, 2026
In an exclusive interview, senior regulators appointed under President Donald Trump have signaled their readiness to issue comprehensive rules designed to support and foster the growth of the cryptocurrency industry. The announcement comes amid legislative hurdles in Congress following resistance from key industry figures.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins expressed optimism about the future regulatory landscape for digital currencies. "In the long term, it’s better to have legislation," Atkins told The Wall Street Journal. While he anticipates congressional approval of new crypto laws later this year, he emphasized that the SEC is prepared to use its existing authority to regulate the sector in the meantime.
This proactive regulatory stance follows recent roadblocks in Congress regarding crypto legislation, notably due to objections raised by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Armstrong’s concerns have reportedly slowed legislative progress, raising questions about the best approach to overseeing the rapidly evolving market.
Michael Selig, chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), serving alongside Atkins, has also voiced support for clarifying crypto regulations, underscoring the importance of fostering innovation while ensuring investor protection and market integrity.
The Trump administration’s regulators appear committed to balancing growth facilitation and risk management within the U.S. cryptocurrency ecosystem. Market participants and industry watchers will be closely monitoring forthcoming rule proposals, hoping for clearer guidance in this dynamic sector.
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