SEC’s Crypto Shift: Unprecedented Regulatory Breakthrough in 2026
The SEC has undergone significant changes recently, particularly with Caroline Crenshaw stepping down as the last commissioner who was skeptical about crypto. Now it’s just Republicans in charge there, which might open the door for rules that are more supportive of the crypto world.
SEC’s Crypto Shift
Carol Goforth, a professor from the University of Arkansas School of Law, called it highly unusual. With three Republican commissioners, it is clear how the Trump administration is shaping things. The whole crypto industry is paying close attention because Republicans tend to be more friendly to the industry.
Also Read: SEC Signals Major Shift as Crypto Innovation Exemption Nears Release
Crypto-Skeptic Commissioner Departs
Crenshaw was the last remaining crypto-sceptic commissioner left at the SEC, issuing a dissent on the commission’s decision to allow Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January 2024. She said the decision “put us on a wayward path that could further sacrifice investor protection.
Even so, the SEC cannot just do whatever it wants. They have to go through the notice and comment steps for any new rules, making sure everything gets thought out properly. Still, people who know about this are saying that 2026 could be the year when real crypto regulations start taking shape, possibly with more detailed ones from the SEC.
The Trump v. Slaughter case ultimately boils down to a simple question: Who controls the executive branch of the federal government? The Constitution provides a glaringly obvious answer. The current state of so-called independent agencies with virtually no electoral… pic.twitter.com/7GRGfzvjNP
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) December 29, 2025
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Republican Dominance Raises Concerns
It’s not only the exchange commission that’s all Republican-led. The CFTC and the FTC have Republican majorities, too, which makes everyone wonder about power getting too concentrated in one group. The Trump team has been pushing to take more control over these agencies. However, several lawsuits are fighting back, including a big Supreme Court case that might affect everything down the line.
I think the move toward a pro-crypto approach at the exchange commission will matter a lot for the industry. Challenges are still around, though, and with the new lineup plus Trump’s influence, it’s going to steer how crypto rules develop. That part about the other agencies somewhat repeats the pattern, but it’s not pro-crypto.
Also Read: SEC Faces Heat: Waters Demands Crypto Oversight 2025
Filed under: Bitcoin - @ January 7, 2026 10:15 pm