The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled proposed rules for crypto assets, citing the absence of legislative clarity from Congress. The agency outlined exemptions allowing companies to issue up to $5 million in tokens over four years or $75 million in 12 months, alongside financial reporting requirements for issuers.
The move follows the collapse of efforts to pass the CLARITY Act, a market structure bill aimed at defining crypto regulation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed cloture on the legislation in August, though the bill’s fate remains uncertain ahead of the 2027 elections. The SEC’s proposals emphasize investor protections and tailored securities offerings, with a 60-day public comment period following publication in the Federal Register.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins stressed the need for enduring legislative frameworks, warning that without such measures, future regulatory actions could undermine current efforts. White House crypto adviser Patrick Witt warned that regulators might take “more aggressive” steps if Congress fails to act.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is set to address crypto regulation, AI, and prediction markets in a scheduled meeting this Thursday. Meanwhile, the absence of legislative progress has heightened uncertainty over the industry’s long-term governance, with analysts noting potential divergences in regulatory approaches across agencies.
Written by Steven Cook
Regulation Desk
