SEC Chair Signals Regulatory Shift, Says Most Crypto Tokens Are Not Securities

SEC Chair Paul Atkins declared during an OECD Roundtable keynote that "most crypto tokens are not securities," marking a potential turning point in U.S. crypto regulation. The statement contrasts sharply with the agency's enforcement-heavy approach since the 2017 DAO Report.

Atkins emphasized Project Crypto's renewed focus, pledging clearer boundaries between securities and non-securities tokens. This shift aims to reduce legal uncertainty for blockchain entrepreneurs while keeping innovation onshore. The SEC will MOVE away from ad hoc enforcement toward predictable guidance, aligning closer with Europe's MiCA framework.

The policy pivot includes endorsing unified "super-app" platforms for trading, lending, and staking. This follows the President's Working Group report urging accelerated rulemaking to maintain U.S. competitiveness in digital asset markets.