SEC Agenda Omits Cryptocurrency Regulation

Crypto advocates call for clarity as SEC focuses on other priorities in 2021

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has published its agenda for the rest of 2021, and cryptocurrency regulation is notably absent from the list of priorities. This comes as a surprise given the growing importance of digital assets, but some see it as a positive sign that the new SEC Chairman, Gary Gensler, understands the technology and its potential role in a healthy economy.

Why it matters

The lack of cryptocurrency regulation on the SEC's agenda raises concerns for investors and the crypto industry, who have been calling for clearer rules to provide more certainty and legitimacy. However, Gensler's background as a professor at MIT who lectured on Bitcoin and blockchain suggests he may take a more balanced approach compared to previous SEC leadership.

The details

The SEC's 2021 agenda is dominated by issues like short-selling and the recent GameStop/AMC stock frenzy driven by Reddit traders. Two SEC commissioners, Hester M. Peirce and Elad L. Roisman, have publicly urged the chairman to reconsider the agenda and add rules to provide clarity for digital assets. Proponents of crypto regulation argue that the right rules could actually benefit the market by removing 'grey areas' that are holding back investment.

  • The SEC published its agenda for the rest of 2021 in February 2026.

The players

Gary Gensler

The current chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Prior to his role at the SEC, Gensler was a professor at MIT where he lectured on Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and blockchains.

Hester M. Peirce

An SEC commissioner who publicly urged the chairman to reconsider the agenda and add rules to provide clarity for digital assets.

Elad L. Roisman

An SEC commissioner who publicly urged the chairman to reconsider the agenda and add rules to provide clarity for digital assets.

Mark Cuban

A billionaire investor and Shark Tank judge who owns Bitcoin, Ethereum, and some DeFi tokens. He has called for regulations to clarify what qualifies as a 'stable coin' and 'what collateralization is acceptable'.

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What they’re saying

“The Agenda is missing some other important rulemakings, including rules to provide clarity for digital assets, allow companies to compensate gig workers with equity...”

— Hester M. Peirce and Elad L. Roisman, SEC Commissioners (SEC Statement)

“Regulations to clarify what qualifies as a 'stable coin' and 'what collateralization is acceptable' would greatly benefit the crypto market.”

— Mark Cuban (Interview)

What’s next

The SEC has not indicated if or when it plans to revisit the agenda to address digital asset regulation. Investors and the crypto industry will be closely watching for any signs that the SEC under Gensler's leadership will provide more clarity around cryptocurrencies.

The takeaway

The SEC's omission of cryptocurrency regulation from its 2021 agenda is surprising, but may signal a more balanced approach under the new chairman, Gary Gensler, who has a background in the technology. However, the lack of clarity continues to hold back investment, and crypto advocates are urging the SEC to reconsider and provide the rules and guidance the industry needs to thrive.