SEC's Atkins backs Clarity Act but says agency will keep pushing crypto rules without it

SEC Chair Atkins said she supports the Clarity Act but emphasized that the commission will not wait for that legislation to act. She told audiences that, even in the absence of congressional changes, the agency will continue to pursue a rulemaking agenda aimed at the crypto sector.

Atkins outlined three areas that will form the backbone of the SEC's regulatory push: how crypto assets are issued, updating the role and technology of transfer agents who track ownership, and rules governing custody of digital assets. Treating these topics as core priorities signals the agency's focus on market structure, recordkeeping and safekeeping of assets.

By naming these specific priorities, the chair conveyed the SEC's intent to use its existing authorities to address perceived gaps in oversight of crypto offerings, ownership records and custodial arrangements. That approach suggests the commission will advance standards and enforcement in those areas even if legislative uncertainty remains.

Market participants should expect continued regulatory activity from the SEC targeted at issuance practices, modernization of transfer-agent functions and custody frameworks. Atkins' comments make clear that passage of the Clarity Act would be welcomed but is not a prerequisite for the agency to move forward with its crypto rulemaking.