SEC Proposes New Framework for Crypto Investment Contracts
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has long applied federal securities law to crypto largely through enforcement, drawing industry complaints that legacy rules do not fit token-based fundraising. The agency’s proposal seeks a clearer, more workable framework for “crypto asset investment contracts,” including when projects fall under securities oversight. The initiative could give issuers a more predictable route to raising capital while preserving disclosure standards and investor protections.
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce and Chairman Paul Atkins welcomed the proposal as a departure from an enforcement-heavy approach they view as ill-suited to digital assets. Peirce called it an “important” step toward practical crypto rules, while both officials argued that projects should be able to raise funds under clearer safeguards. The available announcement specified no transaction amount and gave no date for final adoption or implementation.
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The history behind this eventUS SEC Makes Digital Assets a Strategic Priority Through 2030, Plans Clear Crypto Framework
The US Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees the securities market, has historically taken an enforcement-led approach to cryptocurrencies. As asset tokenization and on-chain markets expand, the industry has called for consistent rules. The formal inclusion of digital assets in the agency’s strategy signals that blockchain is beginning to be viewed as an important financial infrastructure technology.
The SEC recently released a draft strategic plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 that, for the first time, names digital assets and distributed ledger technology as core development priorities. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins called it “a new day at the SEC.” The plan aims to establish a clear and consistent regulatory foundation for cryptocurrencies while supporting the development of tokenization and on-chain markets.
US SEC and CFTC Unveil Crypto Framework Drawing Line Between Securities and Non-Securities
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have long overseen securities and commodities, respectively, but blurred boundaries for crypto assets have exposed companies to enforcement risks. The agencies have now established a framework for applying federal securities laws, seeking to end the regulation-by-enforcement approach pursued under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.
The SEC and CFTC issued a formal interpretation in July 2026 distinguishing digital commodities, stablecoins, digital collectibles and security tokens. It also said protocol mining, staking and airdrops do not constitute securities offerings under certain conditions. SEC Chair Paul Atkins called the guidance a beginning, not an end. Bitcoin remained below $75,000 following its release.
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