SEC submits guidance on crypto regulation to the White House

New guidance clarifies which crypto assets are treated as securities and how firms should comply with federal regulations.

US regulators plan clearer rules for crypto and prediction markets, addressing legal inconsistencies and supporting safe market participation for investors and firms alike.

The US SEC has submitted interpretive guidance to the White House explaining how federal securities laws could apply to cryptocurrencies. Submitted on 3 March, the guidance aims to clarify which crypto assets fall under SEC jurisdiction and provide a framework for categorising digital tokens.

Such clarity would affect how crypto firms register, disclose information, and operate in the US market. The commission-level guidance does not require a vote and is considered more enforceable than staff-level statements.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has prioritised digital asset regulation and indicated the agency may act independently if Congress fails to pass legislation.

The move follows stalled Senate efforts to establish a formal crypto market structure, partly due to disputes over stablecoin rewards. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig plans to propose rules for prediction markets to address inconsistencies across federal and state laws, especially for sports-related contracts.

Regulators emphasise the need for clear standards to protect investors while supporting innovation. Both the SEC and CFTC seek to provide a predictable regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and emerging digital asset markets.

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