The SEC will roll out new rules to “regulate cryptocurrencies”: defining what counts as fundraising and what falls under securities; it has already been submitted to the White House

Gate News report: The chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Paul Atkins, said the SEC is about to roll out a new rule referred to as “regulating crypto,” aimed at refining the crypto-asset regulatory framework and clarifying which transactions fall under the definition of securities. The rule has already been submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, meaning it is only one step away from being officially implemented.

Atkins noted that the new rule will be based on the 1933 Securities Act and will focus on key issues, including crypto-asset financing, token issuance, and exemptions for startups. This move is seen as an important step forward in U.S. crypto regulatory policy, and is expected to provide clearer standards for longstanding uncertainty—thereby affecting the compliance pathways for mainstream assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

In the discussion, Atkins revealed that the SEC also plans to introduce an innovative exemption mechanism that would allow companies to test within a specific framework while avoiding unfair competition against existing firms. This design suggests regulators are trying to strike a balance between protecting investors and encouraging innovation, providing the crypto industry with a more resilient policy space.

Meanwhile, Atkins has repeatedly mentioned the potential impact of the U.S. Congress and midterm elections on the regulatory environment. He said that while legislative changes could introduce variables, the SEC’s rulemaking will continue and will not stall due to political cycles. The market widely believes that policy continuity will become an important factor influencing institutional funds entering the crypto market.

From an industry perspective, the rollout of this “regulating crypto” rule may redefine standards for classifying crypto assets and could have far-reaching effects on financing models, token-issuance structures, and compliance costs. As the regulatory framework gradually becomes clearer, institutional participation may increase further, and it may also accelerate shakeouts in the industry. (CoinDesk)