Regulatory Developments: SEC and Global Crypto Policies Evolve

Paul Atkins, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, stated that the SEC has enough authority to advance cryptocurrency regulations without requiring new legislation from Congress. In a recent CNBC interview, Atkins expressed optimism for the industry in 2026, mentioning that the SEC is providing technical assistance as Congress deliberates a digital asset market structure bill.

He emphasized the agency's commitment to progress despite the impacts of the longest government shutdown in US history and announced plans for an innovation exemption expected to be released within a month.

This exemption aligns with the current discussions within the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees aimed at defining the regulatory authority of various agencies over cryptocurrencies. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott indicated that the committee aims to have the market structure bill ready for markup by December.

Meanwhile, in Russia, a significant shift in cryptocurrency regulation is being considered as the Bank of Russia's First Deputy Governor, Vladimir Chistyukhin, announced discussions to ease existing restrictions on cryptocurrencies in light of Western sanctions.

This potential regulatory relaxation could include eliminating the super-qualified investor criteria, which currently limits crypto trading to individuals with substantial wealth. Chistyukhin linked this move directly to the economic restrictions placed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, stating that the changes are needed as Russians face limitations on using conventional currencies for international payments.

Furthermore, in Poland, President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a proposed strict crypto regulation bill, citing concerns over potential threats to individual freedoms and market stability. The veto was praised by the crypto community, with advocates arguing that the bill's provisions were overly complex and could lead to unnecessary regulatory burdens that might drive businesses abroad.

However, the veto faced backlash from some government officials who warned of potential losses for investors if the market remained unregulated. The differing approaches to cryptocurrency regulation in the US, Russia, and Poland underscore the dynamic and evolving nature of the global regulatory landscape, highlighting the importance of these developments for the future of cryptocurrency markets and compliance.