Crypto, ESG and New Stock Rules Top US Watchdogs’ 2023 Agenda

Crypto is squarely in the cross hairs of Washington regulators, with fresh calls for stricter controls before the industry can get big enough to affect the broader financial system.

Oversight of digital assets is among the most pressing issues for US financial watchdogs for 2023. Next year, they’re also set to finalize an overhaul of Wall Street stock-trading rules, step up their focus on environmental, social and governance issues, and review criteria for approving bank mergers.

The debate over how to regulate digital assets — and which agencies should have oversight — simmered for most of 2022. It then reached ...