SEC Unveils 2025 Crypto Regulatory Framework, Targets Clarity for Digital Assets

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has laid out its regulatory roadmap for digital assets, signaling a shift toward clearer oversight. Chair Paul Atkins announced the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda, emphasizing the need for "clear rules of the road" for crypto issuance, custody, and trading while cracking down on bad actors.

Two key initiatives anchor the SEC's plan: the Division of Corporation Finance is drafting rules for digital asset offerings, including exemptions and safe harbors, with proposals expected by April 2026. Simultaneously, the Division of Trading and Markets is amending Exchange Act rules to address how crypto assets trade—a MOVE that could reshape market structure.

Atkins framed the agenda as a corrective to legacy proposals, stating the agency is rolling back measures from the previous administration that hindered effective oversight. "Greater certainty" for the market remains a priority, though the timeline suggests deliberate pacing rather than rushed implementation.