# SEC Says Liquid Staking Falls Outside Securities Law

*Author: Bankless*
*Published: Aug 5, 2025*
*Source: https://www.bankless.com/read/sec-says-liquid-staking-falls-outside-securities-law*

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission released guidance stating that certain forms of liquid staking do not fall under securities laws, marking a notable shift in how the agency approaches crypto regulation.  

### What’s the Scoop?
- **No Registration Needed:** The SEC said liquid staking participants do not need to register under securities laws if the activities don’t involve an investment contract. 
- **Staking Receipt Tokens Exempted:** According to the SEC, the issuance of receipt tokens tied to staking—used to track ownership and rewards—is not considered a securities offering, unless paired with an investment contract.
- **Chair Statement:** SEC Chair Paul Atkins called the update a “significant step forward,” crediting Project Crypto, the agency’s broader initiative to revise crypto-related regulation.
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