# Crypto Token Prices Soar on SEC Innovation Exemption Promises *Author: Jack Inabinet* *Published: Dec 2, 2025* *Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/news/crypto-token-prices-soar-on-sec-innovation-exemption-promises* --- After a calamitous start to December and a notably poor past two months, crypto token prices roared to life today, bolstered by SEC Chair Paul Atkins' confirmation in a CNBC interview that crypto companies can expect an "innovation exemption" to be released within the coming months. ### **What's the Scoop:** - **Atkins' Exemptions: **In an interview with CNBC's *Squak Box*, SEC Chair Paul Atkins confirmed that his regulatory agency is working towards the publication of "innovation exemption" guidelines, which he expects to be released within the coming month(s). - **Twin Engagements: **Following his CNBC interview, Chair Atkins gave a [speech](https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-120225-revitalizing-americas-markets-250) at the New York Stock Exchange, where he expressed a desire to reduce the amount of disclosures required by public companies and discussed a three pillar plan to "make IPOs great again." - **TradFi Take: **Traditional financial firms appear warry about the prospect of an innovation exemption. In an open letter to SEC, the WFE (a trade group representing stock exchanges) [warned](https://www.world-exchanges.org/news/articles/wfe-recommends-standards-any-sec-exemptive-relief-around-tokenisation) that "broad use of such relief presents great risks to investors, market integrity, and competition, all of which have negative consequences for US markets." > BREAKING: πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ SEC Chair Paul Atkins says innovation exemption for crypto firms is coming in a month or so. [pic.twitter.com/WFOoWnhAvy](https://t.co/WFOoWnhAvy)β€” Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) [December 2, 2025](https://twitter.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1995839722854514838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) --- *This article is brought to you by [MetaMask](https://www.bankless.com/sponsor/metamask-1776260643?ref=read/news/crypto-token-prices-soar-on-sec-innovation-exemption-promises)*