SEC Commissioner Peirce Reiterates Tokenized Assets Are Securities Under U.S. Law

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as 'Crypto Mom,' emphasized that tokenized securities remain subject to existing federal regulations. Blockchain technology, while transformative, does not alter the fundamental classification of these assets. The statement follows Robinhood's recent launch of a layer-2 blockchain for tokenization, though Peirce did not explicitly name the firm.

Peirce urged companies to engage with regulators before issuing tokenized stocks or funds. The SEC's stance aligns with former Chair Gary Gensler's frequent admonitions for crypto projects to seek regulatory clarity. Robinhood's May proposal for a tokenized asset framework coincides with its plans to offer European users access to tokenized U.S. equities and ETFs.

Meanwhile, House Republicans continue pushing for clearer crypto regulations. The intersection of traditional finance and blockchain innovation remains a focal point for both policymakers and market participants.