In a formal request for congressional oversight, Representative Maxine Waters has sounded the alarm over what she characterizes as a dramatic and potentially politicized retreat from cryptocurrency enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Citing data showing approximately 60% of crypto cases dismissed since January and zero new actions filed in 2025, Waters’ letter to Committee Chair French Hill demands a hearing with SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, raising fundamental questions about regulatory independence and investor protection under the new administration.
about Waters Demands SEC Oversight Amid Crypto Enforcement CollapseCaroline Crenshaw
0 posts last weekSEC Commissioner Criticizes Crypto Regulation Before Departure
In a stark parting shot, outgoing SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw has delivered a scathing assessment of the regulator’s recent approach to digital assets, warning that enforcement standards have “eroded” and financial markets are beginning to “look like casinos.” Speaking at a Brookings Institution event just weeks before her expected January departure, the agency’s sole remaining Democratic commissioner painted a picture of regulatory “chaos,” citing dismissed enforcement cases, reduced penalties, and a decline in overall actions. Her critique highlights a deepening philosophical rift within the SEC as it grapples with the volatile crypto sector.
about SEC Commissioner Criticizes Crypto Regulation Before Departurea16z Invests $50M in Solana’s Jito Protocol at $800M Valuation
Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto investment arm, a16z, has committed $50 million to Jito, a leading liquid staking protocol on the Solana network, valuing the project at approximately $800 million. This landmark investment represents one of the most significant late-stage financings in the Solana ecosystem and signals strong institutional confidence in liquid staking technology despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny. The deal involves a16z receiving JTO tokens at a discounted rate in exchange for long-term alignment with the protocol’s development.
about a16z Invests $50M in Solana's Jito Protocol at $800M ValuationSEC Approves Generic Standards for Faster Crypto ETF Listings
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has fundamentally reshaped the crypto investment landscape by approving generic listing standards that will dramatically accelerate spot cryptocurrency ETF approvals. This regulatory shift eliminates the need for individual assessments of each application, reducing maximum approval times from 240 days to just 75 days while potentially opening the floodgates for a wave of new digital asset products in trusted U.S. markets.
about SEC Approves Generic Standards for Faster Crypto ETF ListingsSEC Approves Fast-Track for Crypto Spot ETFs
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has fundamentally reshaped the digital asset landscape by approving rule changes that streamline the approval process for crypto spot exchange-traded funds. This landmark decision allows major exchanges to adopt generic listing standards, potentially reducing approval timelines from 240 days to just 75 days and opening the floodgates for dozens of new crypto investment products in America’s regulated markets.
about SEC Approves Fast-Track for Crypto Spot ETFsSEC Approves Then Halts Bitwise Crypto ETF in Bizarre Move
The U.S. SEC granted accelerated approval for Bitwise’s proposal to convert its Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (BITW) into a spot ETF, only to later halt the launch under Rule 431 for further review. This follows a similar reversal involving Grayscale’s mixed crypto ETF, raising concerns about regulatory consistency. The BITW ETF, which includes major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, was set to trade on NYSE Arca but remains OTC until the stay is lifted. Analysts criticize the SEC’s opaque decision-making, with some suggesting the delays align with pending regulatory deadlines. Bitwise manages nearly $5.8B in crypto ETFs, including its $4.8B spot Bitcoin ETF.
about SEC Approves Then Halts Bitwise Crypto ETF in Bizarre MoveSEC and Ripple Near Settlement in XRP Lawsuit
The SEC and Ripple have filed a joint motion to dissolve an injunction and release $125 million in escrowed funds, with Ripple agreeing to pay a $50 million civil penalty. This move aims to conclude a nearly four-year legal battle over allegations that Ripple sold XRP as unregistered securities. The case, filed in 2020, saw a partial victory for Ripple in 2023 when a judge ruled that programmatic sales of XRP did not constitute securities offerings, though institutional sales were deemed violations. The proposed settlement reflects a shift in the SEC’s enforcement approach under new leadership, with several high-profile crypto cases being dropped. The settlement still requires court approval, and XRP’s price dipped 5.2% amid the news.
about SEC and Ripple Near Settlement in XRP LawsuitXRP Legal Clarity Defended as SEC Appeal Looms
Bill Morgan maintains that XRP’s legal status is clear after Judge Torres ruled it is not a security—a finding unchallenged by the SEC’s appeal. The Ripple vs. SEC case could restart if no settlement is filed by June 16, with potential delays if proceedings stall. Rumors of a $50M penalty remain unverified, and the SEC’s upcoming crypto roundtable may hint at broader regulatory changes. XRP trades steadily at $2.17 amid low volatility, while the SEC faces pressure to refile a procedurally sound motion. The case’s outcome could shape future crypto enforcement.
about XRP Legal Clarity Defended as SEC Appeal LoomsSEC Raises Concerns Over REX-Osprey ETH and SOL ETFs
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed concerns over the REX-Osprey Ethereum and Solana ETFs, questioning whether they meet the legal definition of an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The ETFs, which include staking components, may not primarily invest in securities as required. Although their registration became effective on May 30, the funds have not yet launched or been listed on any exchange. The SEC also raised issues about the ETFs’ filing under Form N-1A and compliance with Rule 6c-11. This follows recent SEC guidance exempting certain staking practices from securities rules, a move that has drawn criticism for creating regulatory uncertainty.
about SEC Raises Concerns Over REX-Osprey ETH and SOL ETFsSEC Exempts Crypto Staking from Securities Rules
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued new guidance stating that common forms of crypto staking, such as self-staking and delegated staking, are not subject to securities laws. The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance confirmed that participants in these activities do not need to register with the Commission, addressing long-standing regulatory uncertainty. The decision has significant implications for Ethereum ETFs, potentially unlocking new revenue streams for investors. While SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce praised the move, Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw criticized it for straying from legal precedent. The guidance also clarifies that additional staking-related services, such as early withdrawals or slashing protection, do not automatically classify as securities offerings.
about SEC Exempts Crypto Staking from Securities RulesSEC Clarifies Staking Rules: No Securities Violation
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has provided new guidance stating that typical crypto staking activities, such as those in proof-of-stake blockchains, do not breach securities laws. The SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance emphasized that staking rewards are considered compensation for services by node operators, not profits from others’ efforts, thus exempting them from securities registration. While Commissioner Hester Peirce praised the clarity for stakers, Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw criticized the guidance for overlooking existing legal frameworks. The May 29 staff statement aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty for staking participants.
about SEC Clarifies Staking Rules: No Securities ViolationSEC Clarifies Crypto Staking Rules, Exempts Key Activities
The SEC’s latest guidance clarifies that most crypto staking activities, including self-staking and custodial staking, are not subject to federal securities regulations if they meet specific conditions. The ruling applies to staking on proof-of-stake networks and third-party operators but excludes practices like liquid staking and restaking. While the decision aims to end uncertainty, SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw criticized it as contradictory to court precedents and existing laws, calling it a ‘fake it ’till we make it’ approach. The guidance, though non-binding, marks a significant shift from the SEC’s previous stance under former Chair Gary Gensler, who labeled most crypto as securities.
about SEC Clarifies Crypto Staking Rules, Exempts Key Activities