WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2026 — Paul S. Atkins, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, delivered testimony Thursday before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, outlining the agency’s regulatory priorities, including matters concerning digital assets and the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), according to prepared remarks released by the Commission.
Digital-asset oversight
In his testimony, Atkins addressed the Commission’s oversight responsibilities relating to digital assets under federal securities laws.
The Chair said the agency is continuing its work in this area consistent with its statutory mandate. The prepared remarks did not announce new rule proposals specific to digital assets.
Consolidated audit trail (CAT)
Atkins also discussed the Consolidated Audit Trail, the market-wide reporting system designed to enhance regulatory oversight of U.S. equity and options markets.
The testimony addressed the Commission’s ongoing oversight of CAT implementation and related governance matters. No new policy changes concerning CAT were announced in the prepared remarks.
Broader regulatory agenda
Beyond digital assets and CAT, the testimony addressed the Commission’s broader regulatory and supervisory priorities, including market structure, capital formation, and enforcement activities.
The hearing formed part of the Senate Banking Committee’s oversight of the SEC and its regulatory functions.
