- The SEC and CFTC seek to align regulatory frameworks to provide clarity for crypto firms and investors.
- Agencies to discuss 24/7 trading, event contracts, and perpetual products for regulated U.S. exchanges.
- Joint effort includes coordinated exemptions to enable responsible DeFi innovation and market growth.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) declared that they will have a joint roundtable on September 29. The session will be focused on a discussion of how the two agencies can align their frameworks and offer regulatory clarity to the crypto industry.
In a joint statement, SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Acting Chair Caroline Pham described the initiative as a new phase of cooperation. They reported that cooperation can empower U.S. markets through the elimination of redundant obstacles and enhancement of effectiveness. The two leaders emphasized that the objective is to make investors and market participants have a better set of rules and coherent supervision.
Areas of Coordination
The agencies outlined several areas for coordination. One focus will be harmonizing product and venue definitions. This includes potential alignment on capital and margin frameworks, along with streamlined reporting and data standards for crypto firms.
They also plan to discuss 24/7 markets. Both agencies recognized that around-the-clock trading could support on-chain finance growth if designed under appropriate safeguards. The SEC’s “Project Crypto,” which explores moving markets on-chain, is part of this effort.
Event Contracts and Perpetual Products
Event contracts will also be on the agenda. Regulators highlighted the need to provide clarity for platforms that list prediction market contracts, including those tied to securities. This follows the CFTC’s approval of Polymarket to operate in the United States.
In addition, the roundtable may cover perpetual contracts. The agencies said they could consider steps to allow such products on regulated U.S. exchanges, provided they meet investor protection standards. Coordinated exemptions to support innovation in decentralized finance are also under review.
