Paul Atkins Shoots Down CFTC Merger Rumors, Emphasizes SEC-CFTC Collaboration Instead

Regulatory heavyweight Paul Atkins just dropped a truth bomb on Washington's favorite consolidation fantasy.

SEC-CFTC Partnership: The Real Story

Forget merger talks—this is about coordinated oversight. Atkins clarified that these agencies operate better as strategic partners than as a single bureaucratic monster. They're sharing intelligence, aligning enforcement actions, and actually talking to each other for once.

The coordination comes as crypto volumes hit record highs and regulatory jurisdiction remains murky. Both agencies keep tripping over each other on digital asset cases—because nothing says 'effective governance' like two watchdogs barking at the same squirrel.

Atkins' comments reveal what seasoned regulators already know: merging these beasts would create a Frankenstein monster that pleases nobody. Sometimes partnership beats paperwork—even in DC.

TLDR

• SEC Chair Paul Atkins dismissed rumors of a merger between the SEC and CFTC during a recent appearance on Mornings with Maria.
• Atkins emphasized that the SEC and CFTC are working closely together, particularly on digital asset regulation, without merging their functions.
• Atkins expressed that “compartmentalization” is the ideal approach for the two agencies as they collaborate on market oversight.
• The SEC and CFTC will hold a joint roundtable on September 29 to discuss regulatory harmonization priorities in the evolving market.
• Atkins stated that while the agencies share common goals, their operations will remain separate to serve the public and market participants better.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins dismissed speculation about a potential merger with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Speaking on Mornings with Maria, Atkins emphasized that he currently has “his hands full.” He clarified that the two agencies are already working closely together, particularly in the area of digital assets.

“Compartmentalization” Between SEC and CFTC

Atkins firmly rejected the idea of merging the SEC and CFTC.

“We’re working hand in glove with the CFTC right now,” he said. He explained that each agency has its distinct responsibilities but collaborates effectively. “Compartmentalization is what I really envision,” Atkins added, signaling that the agencies can function well without combining their operations.

SEC chairman wants ordinary Americans in private markets: ‘Make IPOs great again’ pic.twitter.com/m2KiX1vSrM

— Mornings with Maria (@MorningsMaria) September 23, 2025

The ongoing collaboration between the two agencies focuses on regulatory issues in the crypto market. Atkins and CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline Pham have been leading these joint efforts. Atkins stressed the importance of cooperation between the agencies, primarily as they address issues in digital assets. He noted that while the agencies will remain separate, they share common goals in safeguarding the markets.

Upcoming SEC-CFTC Roundtable on Regulatory Harmonization

The SEC and CFTC will hold a joint roundtable on September 29. The event will discuss priorities for regulatory harmonization in the evolving market landscape. Both agencies have worked to ensure that this session provides clarity for market participants. According to their joint statement, this roundtable marks a new chapter in their regulatory cooperation.

In their announcement, Atkins and Pham emphasized the need for a strong and unified approach. The event will allow both agencies better to address overlapping concerns in areas such as blockchain regulation. However, Atkins noted that specific strategies for dealing with these overlaps remain to be finalized.