Weekly Crypto Regulation Roundup: U.S. & UK Drive Global Rules as SEC, CFTC Indicate Shakeup

Regulatory Developments - The UK and the U.S. have launched the Transatlantic Task Force for Markets of the Future to enhance regulatory cooperation on digital assets and capital markets [2] - This initiative aims to harmonize rules between the UK and U.S., focusing on a unified approach to tokenization and crypto oversight [3] Legislative Actions - In the U.S., twelve Senate Democrats are advocating for bipartisan support for a significant market structure bill, highlighting the $4 trillion scale of the digital asset market [4][5] - SEC Chair Paul Atkins is urging lawmakers to expedite the market structure bill, with the White House reportedly setting a deadline for its passage [5] Retirement and Innovation Exemptions - Lawmakers are pushing the SEC to implement measures that would allow the $12.5 trillion 401(k) retirement market to include alternative assets like crypto [6] - The SEC is also preparing to introduce an "innovation exemption" by year-end, aimed at facilitating the launch of new crypto products without immediate compliance challenges [7] Increased Scrutiny and Leadership Changes - U.S. authorities are intensifying scrutiny on suspicious trading activities related to corporate crypto treasury announcements, warning against selective disclosure of material information [8] - The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing to discuss digital asset taxation, indicating a potential crackdown on the industry [8] - The White House is considering new candidates for leadership positions at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, with several former officials under consideration [9]