SEC Unveils Spring 2025 Agenda With Crypto Rules in Focus

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has placed digital assets at the forefront of its Spring 2025 regulatory agenda, signaling a pivotal shift toward clarity and innovation in crypto markets. Chairman Paul S. Atkins framed the move as a "new day" for the Commission, balancing investor protection with capital formation.

A comprehensive framework for cryptocurrencies—covering issuance, custody, and trading—aims to curb fraud while providing regulatory certainty. Parallel deregulatory efforts seek to streamline compliance, from fundraising channels to shareholder proposals, reflecting a modernized approach to market rules.

The agenda also revisits the contentious Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), a system plagued by cost overruns and data privacy concerns. Legacy proposals from the previous administration are being scrapped, underscoring a strategic pivot.