Exclusive: Trump-Era Regulators Poised to Set New Rules for Cryptocurrency Industry Amid Legislative Roadblocks
By Dylan Tokar, The Wall Street Journal — January 29, 2026
The regulatory landscape for the cryptocurrency industry in the United States may soon see significant changes as key Trump administration officials signal their readiness to establish clear rules aimed at fostering growth in the sector. This development comes despite recent setbacks in Congress, where efforts to pass comprehensive crypto legislation have stalled.
Regulators Ready to Act
In a joint interview with The Wall Street Journal, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair Michael Selig expressed their commitment to crafting a regulatory framework that supports the development of the digital currency market.
“At the end of the day, legislation is preferable for the long term,” said Atkins. “I expect the legislation to pass this year, but in the meantime, we can operate effectively within our existing authority.”
The two agencies are in the process of formalizing their cooperation through a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for shared oversight responsibilities and clearer jurisdiction over various aspects of the crypto market — a challenge that has historically led to regulatory clashes.
Legislative Challenges Delay Crypto Framework
Earlier this month, momentum around the landmark Clarity Act—a proposed Senate bill designed to provide a comprehensive framework for regulating cryptocurrencies—halted abruptly. The bill encountered unexpected opposition from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, a previously prominent supporter, following disputes over the treatment of reward payments on stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional fiat currencies.
Armstrong’s withdrawal of support prompted the Senate Banking Committee to postpone the bill’s markup, leaving the crypto industry and banking sector without clear legislative guidance. This delay has fueled concerns that Congress may fail to pass effective crypto regulations before the midterm elections this November.
Impact on Industry and Administration Goals
The postponement is considered a setback for the Trump administration, which has publicly embraced the cryptocurrency sector as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. The administration has pledged to usher in “a new era of growth” for digital currencies, viewing regulatory clarity as a critical element in realizing this vision.
Looking Ahead: Coordinated Regulatory Oversight
Later this week, the SEC and CFTC are expected to release detailed plans outlining their cooperative approach to crypto market oversight. This will likely include clarifying which types of crypto assets fall under each agency’s authority. Both agencies have indicated that any forthcoming rules will be designed to align with legislative efforts, ensuring regulatory consistency once Congress enacts a formal legal framework.
For now, the joint efforts by Atkins and Selig’s agencies reflect a proactive approach to managing an evolving market, balancing the need for innovation with investor protection and market integrity.
Copyright © 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.