SEC Proposes Major New Crypto Regulation Framework
On August 18, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed a new regulatory framework called 'Regulation Crypto Assets.' The rule would allow crypto projects to raise up to $75 million annually without registering offerings as securities, similar to how public companies register stock. This proposal complements earlier guidance from March that classified 18 major cryptocurrencies—including Bitcoin—as digital commodities rather than securities. The new framework introduces two exemptions for fundraising: a smaller exemption allowing startups to raise up to $5 million over four years with minimal reporting and a tiered system offering higher limits of $20–$75 million per year, contingent on audit requirements. The rule aims to reduce legal uncertainty in the crypto space if broader legislation like the Clarity Act fails. While most major cryptocurrencies may not see immediate changes under this proposal, projects built on platforms such as Ethereum and Solana could benefit indirectly from a clearer regulatory path for launching and scaling.
Topics: commodities vs. securities cryptocurrency Regulation Crypto Assets SEC