Why is the US Securities and Exchange Commission proposing new cryptocurrency rules?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing three cryptocurrency-related rule changes to clarify how digital assets, crypto broker-dealers and trading platforms are regulated. The SEC said the proposals are intended to provide greater regulatory certainty while protecting investors and supporting capital formation.

What are the US Securities and Exchange Commission's three proposed cryptocurrency rules?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission's proposals cover crypto broker-dealers, digital assets traded on alternative trading systems and national securities exchanges, and potential exemptions and safe harbours for digital assets. The proposals form part of the SEC's 2026 regulatory agenda.

How is the US Securities and Exchange Commission coordinating with Congress on cryptocurrency regulation?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission said its proposals come as Congress considers cryptocurrency market structure legislation. SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agency would defer to legislation if Congress passes a broader regulatory framework.

What does the US Securities and Exchange Commission say the proposed rules will achieve?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission said the proposed rules may provide greater certainty for cryptocurrency markets while facilitating capital formation and innovation. The SEC also said the measures are intended to ensure investors receive the information needed to make informed decisions.

Why has the US Securities and Exchange Commission's cryptocurrency approach faced criticism?

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has faced criticism from some Democratic lawmakers over its handling of cryptocurrency enforcement under Chair Paul Atkins. They argued that ending some enforcement actions and statements about digital tokens have reduced investor protections, although the SEC has not accepted those claims.

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SEC outlines three crypto rule proposals

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished Jul 7, 2026, 11:29 PM

The US Securities and Exchange Commission proposed three cryptocurrency-related rule changes as part of its 2026 regulatory agenda.
The proposals cover crypto broker-dealers, digital assets on trading platforms and potential exemptions or safe harbours for digital assets.
The SEC said the changes are intended to provide greater regulatory certainty while Congress considers broader cryptocurrency market legislation.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission announced three proposed cryptocurrency rule changes in its 2026 agenda aimed at clarifying regulations for digital assets, trading platforms and crypto broker-dealers.

The proposals come as the US Congress debates cryptocurrency market structure legislation that could transfer much of the industry's oversight from the SEC to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

“The proposed rules may provide greater certainty to the market, facilitate capital formation, and accommodate innovation within the crypto asset markets while, at the same time, ensuring that investors are adequately protected and provided with the information they need to make informed investment decisions,” said the SEC.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agenda aligns with the Trump administration's cryptocurrency policy goals, including providing greater clarity around tokenised securities and capital raising using digital assets, while indicating the agency would defer to legislation passed by Congress.

The proposals remain subject to the SEC's rulemaking process as lawmakers continue debating market structure reforms, and following the announcement there was no direct share price reaction because the SEC is a government agency.

The SEC's approach to cryptocurrency regulation under President Donald Trump and Atkins has drawn criticism from some Democratic lawmakers, who argued in January that reduced enforcement could weaken investor protections after several high-profile cases were dropped.

Trump said on Monday that he became involved with cryptocurrency partly for political reasons after previously criticising the sector, having shifted his position during the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election.