SEC Shifts Focus to Clarity for Crypto Assets
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins introduced the agency’s Spring 2025 regulatory plan. The goal? Clear rules for crypto assets.
This roadmap focuses on issuance, custody, and trading. It moves away from enforcement towards defined regulations. According to Atkins, “This agenda seeks to clarify the crypto asset framework, providing market certainty.”
A key change is allowing crypto trades on national exchanges. This addresses long-standing industry requests for clear rules.
The new approach contrasts wiht the previous SEC under Gary Gensler. His tenure saw over 125 crypto enforcement actions. High-profile lawsuits against exchanges like Coinbase and Binance created legal uncertainty. Industry leaders claimed this stifled U.S. innovation.
The Cornerstone Research report shows a decrease in cases last year, despite record monetary penalties. The current SEC discarded many pending cases, showing a shift away from litigation.
Market infrastructure is also reacting. nasdaq tightens scrutiny on firms raising capital for crypto purchases. Delays and detailed disclosures are now common.nasdaq aims to prevent market manipulation and ensure transparency.
The new SEC plan signals a mature, structured approach to crypto regulation. This should foster growth while maintaining market integrity.
