15-8-2025 – SEC Chairman Paul Atkins unveiled Project Crypto, a bold initiative to modernize U.S. securities regulations and establish the nation as the global leader in digital finance. The plan aims to foster innovation by creating clear rules for crypto asset distribution, custody, and trading.
Atkins outlined a framework to integrate blockchain technology into U.S. markets, aligning with the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets’ recommendations. The initiative includes developing guidelines to classify crypto assets, offering exemptions for initial coin offerings and airdrops, and modernizing custody rules to support self-custody and competitive markets.
Atkins emphasized that most crypto assets are not securities, a shift from prior SEC stances, aiming to reduce regulatory uncertainty that has driven fintech startups offshore. Project Crypto also promotes “super-apps,” enabling platforms to offer diverse crypto services under a single license, and supports decentralized finance (DeFi) by distinguishing software publishers from intermediaries.
The SEC’s Crypto Task Force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, will drive these changes, with potential rule updates to facilitate tokenized securities trading. Fintech startups stand to benefit from clearer regulations and an “innovation exemption,” which could accelerate market entry for new technologies, per OneSafe.io.
The initiative signals a proactive SEC approach, potentially reshaping the U.S. crypto landscape and attracting global investment. Stakeholders are urged to engage with upcoming SEC proposals to shape the regulatory framework.
