Atkins signals SEC will set crypto rules if CLARITY Act stalls as Senate deadline nears

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agency is ready to act on its own if Congress fails to pass the CLARITY Act, stating the SEC can set its own crypto rules should the legislation stall. He also suggested that while statutory action would offer more certainty, the SEC would move forward with its regulatory approach if needed ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

As the Senate considers the bill, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong urged lawmakers to “get CLARITY done” ahead of a 7-day deadline tied to the Senate recess, while Atkins prepares an alternative plan if the legislation does not advance. The reporting also notes that the CLARITY Act’s momentum has slowed after it cleared key committee steps, with specific policy issues remaining unresolved ^{[4] [3]}.

Atkins’ comments frame a contingency plan in which the SEC would proceed with rulemaking if the CLARITY Act does not clear the Senate, while industry and political stakeholders press for legislative resolution on a tight timeline ^{[1] [2] [4]}.