SEC Cancels Vote on Crypto Token Exemptions

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission had been preparing to consider “Regulation Crypto Assets,” a tailored framework for offerings of investment contracts involving crypto assets. Chair Paul Atkins outlined the concept on March 17, proposing a startup exemption lasting as long as four years and allowing up to $5 million to be raised, plus a separate fundraising exemption of up to $75 million in any 12-month period. The initiative could give token issuers a clearer route around full securities registration while retaining investor disclosures.

The SEC canceled the open meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. Eastern time on Aug. 14, 2026, one day after citing an unforeseen scheduling issue. Commissioners had been due to vote on whether to publish the proposal for public comment, not to adopt final rules. The cancellation stalls the first formal step toward the exemptions and safe harbors, leaving existing registration requirements in place. The agency provided no fuller explanation and, as of Aug. 17, had not announced a replacement date.