SEC plans fresh rules for crypto securities

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing new rules for crypto assets that qualify as securities. At a roundtable on 12 May, SEC Chair Paul Atkins said current laws are outdated and don’t fit the fast-growing digital asset sector.

So far, only four crypto issuers have registered successfully — something Atkins called a failure of regulation, not of the industry.

Atkins said one of his top priorities is to build a clear and fair rulebook for crypto. The goal is to guide the issuance, custody and trading of these assets, while protecting consumers at the same time.

His approach marks a sharp break from former Chair Gary Gensler, who claimed that existing securities laws were enough. That view drew strong criticism from the crypto industry.

Atkins also praised the potential of tokenised securities. He compared their impact to how the music industry was transformed by digital technology. These assets could automate dividends, unlock liquidity and create new types of markets.

A new Crypto Task Force, led by pro-crypto Commissioner Hester Peirce, will lead the work on shaping the rules.

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