The U.S. Senate has confirmed Paul Atkins as the new chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a shift towards a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment. Despite his support for the crypto industry, some lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have expressed concerns about his past associations with controversial figures like Sam Bankman-Fried.

U.S. Senate Democrats are set to meet with leading crypto executives this week to discuss the stalled market structure legislation crucial for regulating the crypto sector. Despite initial optimism, the bill's progress has been hampered by contentious negotiations and political delays, prompting industry leaders to advocate for open communication and bipartisan support to advance the legislation.

The U.S. Senate has moved closer to final approval of the GENIUS Act, which aims to regulate stablecoin issuers, passing a significant vote with bipartisan support. Concurrently, the House of Representatives is advancing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, establishing a framework for crypto market oversight. Both legislative efforts signify a major shift in U.S. crypto policy, addressing the need for regulation amidst growing market activity.

Twelve Senate Democrats are urging their Republican counterparts to establish a bipartisan authorship process for crypto market structure legislation, emphasizing collaboration rather than merely commenting on a GOP-drafted bill. They are advocating for a more significant role in shaping the legislation and closer coordination with the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee is set to hold a hearing on Oct. 1 to discuss the taxation of crypto assets, featuring testimony from industry experts including Coinbase's Lawrence Zlatkin. The hearing aims to address ongoing debates about the current tax code's impact on innovation in the cryptocurrency space.