SEC, CFTC Outline "New Phase" for U.S. Crypto Oversight, Push Onshore Buildout and Clearer Token Rules

U.S. crypto regulation is moving into a "new phase," according to remarks by SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Mike Selig at the Bitcoin 2026 Conference, as reported by Bitcoin Magazine. The two leaders said their agencies are working together on a regulatory framework for digital assets and want crypto-related firms to build and operate in the United States. They pointed to jointly issued guidance on token classification that separates digital commodities, collectibles and tokenized securities, and reiterated an intent to deliver clearer, forward-looking rules. Atkins added that the SEC is preparing to roll out an "innovation exemption" and, in the coming weeks, plans to let companies test onchain tokenization and securitization tools within a regulated setting.