US securities regulator reveals long-awaited crypto rules

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled a long-awaited regulatory framework for cryptocurrency assets, marking a significant step toward providing the industry with tailored rules. The proposal aims to simplify capital raising for crypto companies.

Under the proposed framework, certain crypto companies and offerings could be exempted from existing U.S. securities regulations. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated the plan "seeks to provide crypto asset entrepreneurs and market participants with clear pathways to raise capital under the federal securities laws." The proposal includes a one-time exemption for issuing up to $5 million in crypto tokens over four years and allows for offerings of up to $75 million annually, provided issuers meet regular reporting and financial statement requirements.

Additionally, the framework introduces a safe harbor provision that could exclude certain crypto assets from being classified as investment contracts if specific conditions are met. This move is expected to make it easier for crypto firms to issue tokens and attract investment.

In parallel, a national U.S. bank regulator granted conditional preliminary approval for a bank charter application related to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture associated with President Donald Trump and his family. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's approval for World Liberty Trust Company's national trust charter, if finalized, would enable the company to manage and hold assets for customers and expedite payment settlements, though it would not permit traditional banking activities like deposit-taking or lending.

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seeks to provide crypto asset entrepreneurs and market participants with clear pathways to raise capital under the federal securities laws