U.S. SEC to propose crypto rule as soon as this month to ease startups, fundraising
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing to propose a new crypto-focused rule as early as this month, aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for startups seeking to raise capital through digital asset offerings. The proposed rule would create clearer pathways for early-stage companies to conduct token-based fundraising without immediately triggering the full weight of existing securities registration requirements.
The move comes amid a broader shift in the SEC's approach to digital assets under its current leadership, which has signaled a more accommodating stance toward the crypto industry compared to previous administrations. Over the past year, the commission has dropped or paused several high-profile enforcement actions against crypto firms, reflecting a growing political appetite in Washington to establish workable regulatory frameworks rather than relying primarily on litigation.
If finalized, the rule could significantly lower the cost and complexity of launching crypto projects in the United States, potentially reversing a trend in which many blockchain startups opted to incorporate and fundraise overseas to avoid regulatory uncertainty. Industry groups have long argued that clearer exemptions for token offerings would allow domestic innovation to compete more effectively on a global scale.
Observers will be watching closely for the formal proposal text, including how the SEC defines qualifying projects, sets investor protection safeguards, and outlines disclosure obligations. Public comment periods following any proposal could shape the final rule substantially.
Source: CoinDesk
