U.S. financial regulators are turning a new page on crypto oversight as the SEC and CFTC pledge closer cooperation to reduce regulatory conflicts that have hampered innovation. This significant policy shift comes amid broader changes under the Trump administration, with SEC Chair Paul Atkins declaring the era of regulatory conflict “behind us” and officials emphasizing cooperation rather than consolidation between the agencies.
about SEC and CFTC Pledge Regulatory Harmony for Crypto MarketsMark Uyeda
0 posts last weekCoinbase Seeks SEC Approval for Tokenized Stocks
Coinbase is actively seeking regulatory approval from the SEC to introduce tokenized stocks, which would allow equities to trade on blockchain networks. Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal emphasized this as a ‘huge priority,’ citing potential benefits like reduced transaction costs and round-the-clock trading. The SEC has shown increasing receptiveness to crypto innovation, with officials like Acting Chair Mark Uyeda and Commissioner Hester Peirce discussing regulatory sandboxes and ‘innovation exemptions.’ The shift follows a more crypto-friendly stance under the new administration, with the SEC dropping several lawsuits against crypto firms. Competitor Kraken has also announced plans to offer tokenized stocks on Solana, signaling growing industry momentum.
about Coinbase Seeks SEC Approval for Tokenized StocksSEC Scraps Gensler-Era Crypto Rules Under New Leadership
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has repealed multiple crypto-related rules established during Gary Gensler’s tenure, marking a significant policy shift under Acting Chair Paul Atkins. Among the withdrawn proposals were rules expanding the definition of ‘exchange’ to include DeFi platforms and stringent custody requirements for investment advisors. The SEC also dropped cybersecurity and ESG reporting mandates criticized as overly burdensome. This regulatory pullback aligns with the new leadership’s focus on fostering innovation, closing high-profile investigations into firms like Coinbase and Kraken. The move signals a more crypto-friendly stance under the Trump administration’s influence.
about SEC Scraps Gensler-Era Crypto Rules Under New LeadershipXRP 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 Explores Tokenized Securities with Nasdaq & DeFi Startups
The SEC’s Crypto Task Force held meetings with Nasdaq, Plume Network, and Etherealize to advance the tokenization of securities on public blockchains. Nasdaq proposed a digital asset-friendly trading venue (‘ATS-Digital’) and a joint safe harbor with the CFTC for uncertain assets. Plume Network advocated for a regulatory sandbox accommodating DeFi mechanics, while Etherealize pushed for blockchain-based transfer agent reforms to eliminate redundant off-chain ledgers. All parties emphasized clear rules, phased pilots, and investor protection. The SEC is considering sandbox models, dedicated venues, and updated transfer agent requirements for future regulations.
about SEC Explores Tokenized Securities with Nasdaq & DeFi StartupsJudge Denies SEC-Ripple Settlement Over Procedural Errors
A U.S. District Judge denied a joint motion by the SEC and Ripple Labs to approve their settlement, citing procedural errors under Rule 60 of civil procedure. The proposed agreement aimed to reduce Ripple’s fine from $125 million to $50 million and end a long-standing legal battle over unregistered XRP sales. Despite the denial, both parties expressed their intent to continue negotiations. The case, which began in 2020, saw a partial victory for Ripple in 2023 when the judge ruled that retail sales of XRP did not violate securities laws. XRP’s price dipped slightly following the news, trading at $2.42. The SEC under new leadership has been scaling back crypto enforcement, dropping cases against major exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken.
about Judge Denies SEC-Ripple Settlement Over Procedural ErrorsSEC Chair Calls for Crypto Policy Overhaul to Boost Innovation
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has proposed a sweeping overhaul of US crypto asset regulations, emphasizing the need for a rational framework to replace years of ad-hoc enforcement. In a keynote address, he outlined a three-pronged strategy: simplifying compliant issuance, expanding custody options, and modernizing trading rules. Atkins likened blockchain’s potential impact on capital markets to the digital transformation of the music industry. He criticized restrictive policies like Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 and called for clearer custody standards, including self-custody solutions. The SEC also plans to allow broker-dealers to integrate crypto and traditional assets under unified platforms. Atkins warned that without regulatory adaptation, innovation could move offshore, echoing President Trump’s vision of making the US the global crypto leader. The newly formed Crypto Task Force, co-led by Commissioners Uyeda and Peirce, will fast-track guidance to break down internal silos. While fraud enforcement remains a priority, the SEC aims to return to its original intent of policing violations rather than shaping policy through enforcement. Upcoming rulemaking and interagency coordination will seek to position the US as a leader in tokenized financial infrastructure.
about SEC Chair Calls for Crypto Policy Overhaul to Boost InnovationRipple’s Legal Win & $1.25B Acquisition Reshape Crypto Future
Ripple Labs has emerged victorious in its prolonged legal battle with the SEC, which dropped its case against XRP under new leadership. Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty framed the SEC’s withdrawal as an admission of flawed crypto regulation, urging a focus on constructive policymaking. With legal hurdles cleared, Ripple aggressively expanded—acquiring Hidden Road for $1.25B to strengthen its brokerage presence and making a rejected $5B bid for Circle to enter the stablecoin market. The SEC’s retreat, coupled with new leadership under Chairman Paul Atkins, has sparked optimism for clearer crypto regulations. Industry experts see this as a pivotal moment for U.S. blockchain innovation, with Congress now pressured to establish balanced policies that foster growth while ensuring market integrity.
about Ripple's Legal Win & $1.25B Acquisition Reshape Crypto FutureSEC Drops Crypto Cases, Ripple Legal Battle Paused
A U.S. appellate court has paused the SEC’s appeal against Ripple for 60 days, as the agency withdraws all crypto-related enforcement cases. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, argues this reflects the SEC’s failure to establish clear crypto regulations. The shift follows leadership changes at the SEC under the Trump administration, with Mark Uyeda and Hester Peirce now guiding policy. XRP trades at $2.20, with mixed short-term performance. The SEC’s retreat from litigation suggests a move toward formal regulatory frameworks, as Ripple pushes for congressional action on crypto laws.
about SEC Drops Crypto Cases, Ripple Legal Battle PausedSEC’s Peirce Compares Crypto Regulation to ‘Floor is Lava’ Game
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce criticized the opaque regulatory environment surrounding crypto assets, comparing it to the children’s game ‘the floor is lava,’ where firms must avoid direct crypto exposure due to unclear rules. Speaking at the SEC’s ‘Know Your Custodian’ event, Peirce emphasized the need for regulatory clarity, particularly around custody, securities classification, and staking rights. Other SEC officials, including Mark Uyeda and new chair Paul Atkins, echoed concerns about market uncertainty and advocated for a structured regulatory framework to foster innovation while ensuring compliance. The discussion highlighted the challenges financial firms face in engaging with crypto amid shifting policies.
about SEC's Peirce Compares Crypto Regulation to 'Floor is Lava' GameSEC, El Salvador Launch Crypto Sandbox Pilot Program
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and El Salvador’s National Commission on Digital Assets (CNAD) have agreed to a joint sandbox pilot program, capped at $10,000 per scenario. The program would allow US-licensed brokers to obtain digital asset licenses in El Salvador and issue ‘non-securities’ tokens in partnership with local firms. This collaboration comes amid heightened attention on US-El Salvador relations, particularly regarding immigration and deportations. The meeting also involved representatives from Perkin Law Firm and former Goldman Sachs partner Heather Shemilt. The SEC’s crypto task force is actively engaging with international regulators, signaling a push for clearer digital asset frameworks. Meanwhile, El Salvador continues to advance its crypto-friendly policies under President Nayib Bukele, who has been a key figure in the country’s Bitcoin adoption since 2021.
about SEC, El Salvador Launch Crypto Sandbox Pilot ProgramPaul Atkins Appointed SEC Chair: A Pro-Crypto Era Begins
Paul Atkins, the newly appointed SEC chairman, marks a return to the agency after serving as a commissioner from 2002 to 2008. His pro-crypto stance and $6 million in crypto-related investments suggest a regulatory shift favoring digital assets. Industry leaders anticipate progress on Bitcoin-backed securities and stalled crypto ETF applications under his leadership. Atkins has pledged to uphold the SEC’s mission while fostering a competitive capital market, aligning with his vision of making the U.S. a global investment hub. His appointment follows acting Chair Mark Uyeda’s crypto-forward initiatives, including a dedicated task force and policy reviews.
about Paul Atkins Appointed SEC Chair: A Pro-Crypto Era Begins