Weekly Crypto Regs Roundup: SEC–CFTC Harmonization Talks, Gensler Text Probe, and Push for Tokenized Stocks

Core Insights - The recent week has been pivotal for U.S. crypto regulation, characterized by high-level discussions, new investigations, and significant policy proposals, indicating a shift towards greater regulatory cooperation while uncertainties remain in custody and compliance [1] Regulatory Developments - SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins emphasized that the focus is on "harmonization, not merger" between the SEC and CFTC, ensuring both agencies maintain independence while collaborating on crypto oversight [2] - House Republicans initiated an investigation into the deletion of text messages from former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, raising concerns about transparency and compliance within the SEC [3] - The SEC clarified that state-chartered trust companies can temporarily act as crypto custodians, providing short-term certainty for investment advisers and funds while leaving long-term issues unresolved [4] - CFTC Commissioner Caroline Pham announced the end of the rivalry between the SEC and CFTC, highlighting a new era of cooperation in regulatory efforts [5] Innovations in Crypto Trading - The SEC is reportedly developing a framework to enable U.S. stocks to trade on blockchain technology, allowing shares of major companies to be represented as digital tokens, which has garnered support from fintech firms but faced resistance from traditional Wall Street institutions [6]