YEREVAN, August 19. /ARKA/. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a new regulatory framework for crypto assets, which includes a number of special exemptions from existing securities laws and could simplify the issuance of tokens and capital raising for crypto companies.
According to Reuters, this is the first major step by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump towards establishing specialized rules for the crypto industry.
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that the regulator aims to provide entrepreneurs and participants in the crypto asset market with clearer mechanisms for raising capital under federal securities laws.
Under the proposal, crypto companies could receive a one-time exemption for issuing tokens worth up to $5 million over a four-year period. Additionally, there is a provision for placements of up to $75 million for each 12-month period, provided that financial reporting and regular disclosure requirements are met.
In both cases, issuers would be required to disclose a specific set of information to investors.
The SEC proposal also includes a “safe harbor” mechanism, under which a crypto asset will not be classified as an investment contract if certain conditions are met.
The crypto industry has long advocated for a separate regulatory approach, arguing that many tokens are more akin to commodities than securities. Atkins has previously supported this position.
Under Republican leadership, the SEC has also softened its previous approach to the sector, rescinding several stringent requirements and halting legal actions against Coinbase, Binance, and several other crypto companies.
Representatives of the Blockchain Association and The Digital Chamber have positively assessed the initiative, calling it a step towards establishing clearer and more tailored rules for digital assets in the American market.
