WASHINGTON, February 11, 2026 — Paul S. Atkins, Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, testified before the House Financial Services Committee, outlining the agency’s regulatory priorities and its approach to digital asset oversight, according to prepared remarks released by the Commission.
In the testimony, Atkins referenced congressional consideration of digital asset market-structure legislation, including proposals commonly referred to as the “CLARITY Act,” and said the SEC stands ready to implement any statutory changes enacted by Congress.
Readiness to implement digital asset legislation
During the hearing, Atkins reiterated that the Commission would implement legislation enacted by Congress relating to digital asset market structure and emphasized that any changes would be carried out consistent with the agency’s mandate to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation.
He added that, pending legislative action, the SEC continues to apply existing securities laws to digital assets and market participants where applicable.
Role of the SEC crypto task force
The testimony referenced internal Commission efforts to provide regulatory clarity, including the work of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester M. Peirce.
Atkins said staff-level guidance and interpretive efforts are intended to support compliance under current law while Congress considers potential statutory reforms.
Legislative context
No digital asset market-structure legislation had been enacted as of Feb. 11, 2026. The SEC’s enforcement authority continues to derive from existing federal securities statutes.
