As momentum in Washington around the CLARITY bill slows, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins explained how the agency intends to proceed with crypto regulation, despite congressional delays, during a public appearance this Wednesday at ETH Denver.
Speaking alongside Commissioner Hester Peirce, a longtime advocate for clearer crypto rules, Atkins signaled that the regulator was preparing a broad regulatory initiative in the coming months.
SEC details 2026 crypto agenda
Responding to a question about what the industry can expect this year, Atkins said The SEC will continue to coordinate with lawmakers while advancing its own agenda through “Project Crypto,” an initiative now run jointly with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Atkins said the Commission and its staff are preparing several initiatives for consideration in the near term. Among them is a formal framework explaining how the SEC determines when a crypto asset involves an investment contract, including how such a contract is created and under what circumstances it may cease to exist.
It also considered an “innovation exemption” designed to allow limited trade in certain products. tokenized securities on new types of platforms, with the broader aim of shaping a regulatory structure that is sustainable over time.
The agency is also developing proposed rules aimed at creating what Atkins calls “common-sense” avenues for raising capital through the sale of crypto assets.
Additionally, the SEC plans to issue no-action letters and exemption orders to provide greater certainty to market participants, including guidance for digital wallets and other user interfaces that may not fall within the registration requirements of the Securities Exchange Act.
Custody rules are another priority. Atkins said the SEC is working on developing rules related to how brokers can protect non-security crypto assets, including payment stablecoins.
The Commission is also preparing updates to transfer agent regulations to reflect the growing role that blockchain technology can play in maintaining property records.
Clear rules rather than panic
The SEC chairman also addressed the recent decline in crypto prices, pushing back against the idea that regulators should respond to market downturns. He stressed that it is not the role of the Commission to react to daily price movements.
Instead, he said, the agency’s responsibility is to ensure that investors receive adequate information so they can make informed decisions. Markets, he noted, fluctuate across asset classes, whether stocks, commodities or digital assets.
He said regulators should focus on maintaining clear and functional rules that allow investors to decide for themselves whether to buy, sell or hold.
Finally, Atkins reiterated that the Commission must continue to clarify how token titles fit into the existing framework. regulatory framework and how intermediaries can trade and hold them for their clients.
He emphasized that progress will require collaboration and welcomes contributions from all quarters, including critics of the crypto industry.
Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com
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