SEC Targets Year-End 'Innovation Exemption' as Atkins Pushes Joint Crypto Rules With CFTC
The effort follows the new stablecoin law alongside recent ETF approvals to provide a faster, principles-based path for digital-asset products.
Overview
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins says the agency is drafting a principles-based innovation exemption aimed for implementation by the end of 2025 to speed crypto product launches.
- Atkins expects harmonized oversight with the CFTC and anticipates joint rulemaking to reduce jurisdictional uncertainty in digital-asset markets.
- The SEC and CFTC have scheduled a joint roundtable for September 29 to set priorities for regulatory harmonization.
- CFTC coordination faces headwinds as the White House-stalled confirmation of chair nominee Brian Quintenz leaves Acting Chair Caroline Pham as the sole leader for now.
- Recent groundwork includes new generic listing standards for spot crypto ETFs and the SEC’s approval of Grayscale’s Digital Large Cap Fund, building on the GENIUS Act’s statutory footing for stablecoins.