The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released its 2026 Regulatory Agenda, proposing 38 rules aimed at easing compliance for crypto firms. Key initiatives include expanding the definition of “qualified custodian” for tokenized assets, a safe-harbor framework for early-stage crypto projects to build under lighter obligations, and updated broker-dealer standards for digital assets. The agenda also seeks to lower costs for public companies and revise rules for cryptocurrency trading on alternative systems. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated the agency is “embracing innovation” to support President Trump’s goal of making America the crypto capital, while maintaining investor protections. The proposals now enter a public comment phase.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched its 2026 Regulatory Agenda, outlining 38 proposed rules focused on tokenization and digital asset custody. The regulator is considering a change to expand the definition of “qualified custodian” to provide clearer rules for firms managing tokenized assets.
The agenda includes a safe-harbor framework for early-stage crypto projects, giving developers a defined period to test tokenized products under lighter compliance obligations. The SEC is also reviewing broker-dealer financial responsibility and record-keeping requirements for digital assets, aiming to replace traditional securities standards with ones better suited for crypto.
The agency proposes Crypto Market Structure Amendments to revise rules governing cryptocurrency trading on alternative trading systems. Additionally, the agenda suggests lowering costs for companies going public by updating disclosure forms and modifying eligibility for simplified registration, which the SEC believes could spur more domestic IPOs.
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins said the regulator has made significant progress more than a year into his tenure. “We are embracing innovation to bring more products onshore, creating clear rules of the road for capital raising with crypto assets, and providing clarity as to how market participants can custody and facilitate trading of tokenized securities on-chain,” he wrote.
Atkins stressed that investor protection measures will remain functional as the agency pursues securities law violations, but the main goal is to give businesses confidence to innovate in the US market. The proposals are yet to be approved and will now go through the public comment phase this month, with final rules expected later this year.
Meanwhile, the CLARITY Act, which passed the House in 2025 and cleared the Senate in May, missed the July 4 signing target. The bill is now waiting for a full Senate floor vote, with limited time before the August recess to complete work on the crypto market structure legislation.
