- The SEC, integrating insights from the CFTC, released new guidelines on classifying crypto assets under existing securities and commodities laws.
- An industry expert views the SEC and CFTC’s close cooperation as an end to their turf war in digital assets.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made a very important announcement on Tuesday, clarifying how federal securities laws don’t apply to all crypto assets. The move, which also integrates insights from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), draws a clear boundary that could help prevent, or at least mitigate, confusion among industry stakeholders.
Clarity in US Crypto Rules
Paul Atkins, the pro-crypto chair of the SEC, acknowledged that the past administration under former chair Gary Gensler exercised overreach in digital assets. He highlighted that the interpretation provides market participants with clarity on the scope of securities laws in relation to the different classifications of crypto, as most of them are not securities.
Interestingly, the chairman emphasized that the current landscape “reflects the reality that investment contracts can come to an end.” He believes the SEC’s efforts with the CFTC will help Congress advance bipartisan market-structure legislation.
Meanwhile, Michael Selig, chair of the CFTC, noted that builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the US have long awaited clear guidance on the status of crypto assets under both securities and commodity laws. He stated that, besides clarity, the interpretation applies rational, workable rules that can harmonize existing regulations in the evolving financial space.
End to the SEC-CFTC Turf War
Paul Barron, a prominent crypto, technology, and AI (artificial intelligence) analyst and entrepreneur, considers the cooperation between the SEC and CFTC as the end of their turf war era. He explained that the shared taxonomy ends the guessing game among industry players.
Additionally, the introduction of super-apps offers a pathway for dually registered firms to offer multiple products on a single platform. It eliminates their need to navigate complex registration requirements for each offering, which is a breath of fresh air for unified platforms. Moreover, the innovation exemptions tailor safe harbors for developers and tokenized securities.
Barron called the latest development the official arrival of the “Minimum Effective Dose” of regulation. The notice coincides with the appearance of Atkins and Selig at the DC Blockchain Summit 2026.
Scaling Corporate Disclosures
Atkin’s speech at the summit in Washington, DC, marks another milestone in regulation. The SEC chairman revealed his plan to scale the frequency of corporate disclosures depending on a firm’s size.
The plan takes into consideration US President Donald Trump’s suggestion last year to limit earnings reports, particularly by easing the frequency from quarterly to semiannual. He argued that it would save companies significant time and resources, thereby improving their productivity.
According to Bloomberg, the SEC will likely publish the proposal for public comment by April.
