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The SEC's newly published 2026 Regulatory Agenda has placed "Regulation Crypto," the first major crypto-specific rulemaking of the Atkins era, among the agency's top near-term priorities.
What's the Scoop?
- The rule: First sketched by Chairman Paul Atkins in March, Regulation Crypto would carve out temporary registration exemptions for teams launching crypto investment contracts, permit a degree of fundraising under them, and create a safe harbor for issuers stepping back from managerial control of a project.
- Why this matters: The SEC has leaned on staff guidance and its crypto "taxonomy" so far, but formal rules are far harder for a future commission to unwind. This rulemaking would lock the friendlier posture in.
- What else is queued: The agenda also floats amending broker-dealer capital, custody, and recordkeeping rules plus exchange rules to account for crypto. Per Atkins, the goal is "creating clear rules of the road for capital raising with crypto assets."
- Zooming out: With market structure legislation stalled in Congress, the SEC is currently crypto's fastest-moving policy venue. This new proposal is still under White House review, and Atkins first said it was "coming weeks" away back in March, so we'll have to wait and see what happens next.
