U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) evaluates modernization of securities regulation to adapt to market in chains and to operations developed on cryptocurrency networks. This was stated by the organization’s president, Paul S. Atkins, in a speech delivered at the SCSP AI+ Expo on May 8, 2026.
In his speech, Atkins said that many of the structures currently used in the cryptocurrency ecosystem are Does not fit neatly into the SEC’s traditional regulatory categoriesComo Exchange, Broker, Dealer y clearing house (Clearing and Settlement Institutions).
“Software today isn’t necessarily neatly organized into these categories,” Atkins explains. As detailed, the same protocol can perform trading operations, manage liquidity and collateral, deploy automated performance strategies, and settle trades almost instantly within a single infrastructure. With a chain. Considering that scenariothe SEC is considering new developments. making rules — a formal mechanism for creating regulatory rules — with a particular market focus in chains.
One of the main points mentioned by Mr. Atkins is that the definition of “exchange” could be revised to: Trading platforms and systems built on cryptocurrency networks. Regulators are also analyzing how broker-dealer rules should apply to decentralized protocols and software interfaces.
Additionally, the SEC is considering changes to its regulatory treatment, including: clearing housetraditionally responsible for ensuring that financial transactions between buyers and sellers are completed correctly. Atkins pointed out that: This model can become outdated in systems where transaction settlement occurs almost instantaneously. Counterparty risk is managed through automated mechanisms.
Another topic under consideration is the so-called “crypto vault“,application in chains It is used to generate passive profits through DeFi strategies. Atkins said the SEC is seeking more clarity on how these tools interact with U.S. securities laws and the Investment Advisers Act, the rules governing the issuance of financial assets and investment advisory services.
This statement was interpreted by the industry as a sign that the SEC is gradually moving away from the “regulation by sanctions and litigation” approach known in the United States. executioncharacterized the pre-stages of the organism.
Under President Atkins’ administration, Authorities have promoted initiatives aimed at reducing regulatory uncertainty through guides, technical statements from officials, letters of no objection, and documents indicating that the SEC does not recommend legal action against a particular activity or business model.
but, Questions remain about how quickly these changes will occur. The SEC’s proposed regulations require a formal public consultation process and coordination with other agencies and the U.S. Congress. In this context, let us recall that recent delays have already occurred in other regulatory projects related to digital assets. As CriptoNoticias reported, the Clarity Act has faced delays due to disagreements among lawmakers, traditional banks, and industry players over issues such as its legal treatment. yield stablecoin.
The market will continue to monitor potential draft regulations, public comment periods, and new SEC guidance as these efforts could shape how financial regulation evolves. in chains DeFi applications are expected to launch in the US in the coming months.
(Tag translation) Bitcoin (BTC)
