Project Crypto is the SEC’s initiative to modernize securities rules and enable on‑chain trading and tokenization of assets; its stated goals include updating rules for tokenized securities, custody, trading, and creating clearer exemptions and guidance so digital‑asset markets can operate under U.S. law while encouraging innovation.
The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) regulates securities markets; the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) regulates commodity and derivatives markets. They are coordinating because many digital assets cross both securities and commodity/derivatives definitions, creating jurisdictional overlap that regulators say requires harmonized rules to avoid regulatory uncertainty and enable on‑chain markets.
Paul S. Atkins is the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); he unveiled and leads the SEC’s Project Crypto initiative to modernize securities regulation for digital assets.
Atkins’ opening remarks introduced the harmonization event and Project Crypto’s objectives: modernizing rules for tokenization, custody, trading, creating clearer exemptions/guidance, and coordinating SEC–CFTC efforts so crypto markets can operate on‑chain under U.S. law.
A notice and link to Atkins’ remarks are posted on the SEC website; the CFTC webcast/coverage was available via the CFTC press release and the event was webcast live on the CFTC site. A full transcript or recording should be available on the SEC and/or CFTC newsroom or events pages for the Jan. 29, 2026 harmonization event.
Yes. Harmonization could change rules that affect crypto firms and investors: regulators have signaled rulemakings, exemptions, and guidance for tokenized securities, custody, trading, and registration—actions that would alter compliance, product eligibility, and market structure for firms and investor protections.
No specific binding policy agreements or firm timelines were announced in the event notice; the public materials frame Project Crypto as an initiative and signal staff rulemaking work and coordination, not finalized rules or dates.