SEC and CFTC Roll Out New US Crypto Guidelines

Highlights:

• The SEC and CFTC have released new guidelines on cryptocurrency regulations.
• Both agencies released the new set of regulations after signing an MOU on March 11. 
• The two regulatory agencies will work together to enforce the new rules.  

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have finally explained how US laws apply to crypto assets. The regulatory bodies publicised the updated rules on 17 March, noting that they aim to address confusion associated with cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. 

According to the updated guidelines, cryptocurrencies can only qualify as security assets if they meet certain criteria. Speaking about the latest move, US SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins said the regulatory body wants to simplify where crypto assets stand under existing laws. He also stated that some digital assets may initially be linked to investment contracts, but do not stay that way forever. 

The US SEC Chairman added:

“This effort serves as a bridge for entrepreneurs and investors as Congress works to advance bipartisan market structure legislation.”

TODAY 🚨: The Commission issued an interpretation that clarifies the application of federal securities laws to crypto assets.

This is a major step to provide greater clarity regarding the Commission’s treatment of crypto assets.

Read the release here: https://t.co/DDykVLHZQI pic.twitter.com/zbLFS2JH6g

— U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (@SECGov) March 17, 2026

CFTC Chairman Speaks on Unifying Enforcement Actions with the SEC

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig also spoke on the new guidelines. He said the lack of clear rules has affected crypto innovation in the United States. Selig added that both the SEC and the CFTC are now working together to support crypto expansion while maintaining oversight.  

This move comes a few days after the two regulatory bodies had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to unify crypto regulations in the United States. Both agencies agreed to prioritize crypto innovation, investor protection, and market integrity. Selig said the MOU was necessary for both regulatory agencies to remove unnecessary burdens and close regulatory gaps.  

The CFTC Chairman stated:

“This MOU will serve as a roadmap for a new era of harmonization between the agencies. By aligning regulatory definitions, coordinating oversight, and facilitating seamless, secure data sharing between agencies, we will ensure our regulations deliver the clarity market participants deserve.” 

Grouping Crypto Assets Under the New Guideline

The SEC introduced a simple classification system for crypto assets. Under the new rule, these assets can fall under any of the following categories: Digital commodities, Digital collectibles, Digital tools, Stablecoins, and Digital securities. This helps explain how each asset category will be treated under the law. 

The updated rule also explained that some crypto assets that are not securities could meet the commodity criteria and will be overseen by the CFTC under the Commodity Exchange Act. Beyond categorizing crypto assets, the new interpretation explained how existing laws apply to crypto-related activities such as airdrops, mining, staking, and wrapping of tokens. 

.@CFTC Joins SEC to Clarify the Application of Federal Securities Laws to Crypto Assets: https://t.co/xuoRu9Abal

— CFTC (@CFTC) March 17, 2026

The SEC and CFTC emphasized unity in enforcing the updated guidelines. The CFTC confirmed it will apply its rules in manners that aligns with the SEC’s interpretation. Overall, the joint effort aims to avoid overlap and confusion between the two regulatory bodies. It also supports the ongoing work in Congress to establish a full legal framework for crypto markets.

So far, the Stablecoin legislation bill has continued to face delays at the federal level. However, Florida recently became the first American state to approve a bill that establishes a state framework for stablecoins. This could serve as a catalyst for many other states to push for similar bills, while approval continues to stall at the federal level.