Key highlights:
- CFTC is planning to launch new crypto rules as the CLARITY Act failed to pass the Senate
- Michael Selig stated that the agency is not waiting for the Senate to pass the bill
- Industry experts like the Bitwise CIO and the Coinbase CEO support the regulator’s stance
US crypto regulation is taking a new turn after the Senate failed to pass the CLARITY Act. As announced by the CFTC Chair Michael Selig, the regulator is preparing to use its authority to launch new crypto rules. Thus, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is taking the initiative to bring the much-needed clarity to the crypto industry while the market structure bill stalled.
🚨NEW: The @CFTC is also delivering some regulatory clarity for crypto markets today.
Staff is clearing the way for software developers to build tools connecting users to registered futures firms and exchanges without having to register as brokers. https://t.co/mQu0RawZoE
— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) September 17, 2026
CFTC to launch new crypto rules as CLARITY Act stalls
Earlier today, Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett took to X to reveal the CFTC’s latest move to introduce new crypto rules amid the CLARITY Act’s recent setback. According to reports, CFTC Chair Michael Selig confirmed that the agency is planning to launch new crypto rules without waiting for the Senate to pass the market structure bill. The regulator will use its current power to bring new rules to the industry.
Notably, the CFTC Chair noted that the Senate vote outcome was “unfortunate.” He added that the US needs clear crypto regulations, stating:
“The outcome of yesterday’s Senate vote was unfortunate. Americans deserve regulatory clarity, legal certainty, and consumer protections in crypto asset markets. President Trump promised to deliver a future-proof crypto asset regulatory market structure one way or the other, and we will help him get the job done using our existing statutory authorities.”
Further, Selig noted that the US will continue to lead the global crypto industry with clear regulations. Thus, via CFTC’s new rules, the country is expected to remain the “crypto capital.” The move could be another major milestone for the US crypto space even if the CLARITY Act remains stalled.
Will crypto regulation move ahead?
For context, Selig’s statement comes on the heels of the Senate’s failure to pass the CLARITY Act. While the industry largely expected the bill to pass the Senate with 60 votes on September 15, it didn’t receive the required support. As CoinCodex noted, the CLARITY Act got only 49 votes, as some Senators continue to raise concerns about some provisions.
However, this is not the end of the CLARITY Act or US crypto regulation. Seven Democratic senators have already shown interest in restarting bipartisan discussions on the crypto bill. As noted by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, the SEC and CFTC have already taken necessary steps to “create clear rules under existing authority, and I expect will begin working on this in earnest.”
How did the crypto community react?
Interestingly, the crypto community largely welcomed the CFTC Chair’s statement. As the much-awaited CLARITY Act is still facing challenges in the Senate, potential moves from the SEC and CFTC are very much necessary in the industry. Thus, community members and industry leaders have expressed support for the CFTC’s approach.
For example, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan noted that the current setback for the CLARITY Act may not necessarily block the country’s crypto regulatory efforts. Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong also expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The CFTC and SEC are stepping up. Go time.”
Source:: CFTC Chair Signals New Crypto Rules After CLARITY Act Senate Setback