SEC Clarifies Rules for Tokenized Securities on Blockchains
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has issued guidance clarifying the treatment of tokenized securities under existing laws, emphasizing that blockchain technology does not exempt these assets from compliance with securities regulations. The SEC's statement, released on January 28, 2026, underscores that any asset recorded on a blockchain qualifying as a security must adhere to U.S. securities laws, including registration, disclosure, and investor protection requirements.
The guidance distinguishes between issuer-sponsored and third-party tokenization models, providing clarity on ownership rights and transfer approvals. This MOVE is seen as a significant step toward regulatory certainty for blockchain-based securities, though it stops short of creating new rules.
