The heads of the SEC and CFTC signaled a shift in US crypto regulation, emphasizing onshore development and clearer token classification.

According to a report by Bitcoin Magazine, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and CFTC Chairman Mike Selig stated at the Bitcoin 2026 Conference that U.S. digital asset regulation is entering a "new phase," with the two agencies working together to advance a regulatory framework for crypto assets and encourage related businesses to remain in the United States. They mentioned that their jointly issued token classification guidance has differentiated between digital goods, collectibles, and tokenized securities, and emphasized that they will promote clearer, future-oriented legislative rules. Paul Atkins also stated that the SEC is preparing to introduce "innovation exemptions" and plans to allow companies to test on-chain tokenization and securitization tools in a regulated environment in the coming weeks.