SEC Releases Guidelines for Crypto Asset Regulation – Coincu

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued guidance on May 16, 2025, addressing broker-dealer and transfer agent rules for crypto assets, as reported by PANews.

This guidance illuminates regulatory paths for crypto firms, addressing custody and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), drawing mixed reactions from the crypto industry.

FAQs Illuminate Crypto Regulatory Paths

The SEC’s new FAQs aim to clarify how rules apply to crypto assets and distributed ledger technology. Commissioner Hester Peirce described the guidance as a “progressive step” for the SEC, as she remarked, “This new guidance is a progressive step forward in crypto regulation.” The guidance covers crucial regulatory areas: custody rules for crypto assets and the creation of cryptocurrency ETFs in kind.

With the SEC’s focus on jurisdictional and asset classification, the move seeks to clarify its boundaries and potentially streamline regulations. The Crypto Task Force supports these efforts, targeting crypto asset issuance, custody, and trading as key priorities.

The market response has been tepid, with some concerns over long-term regulatory impacts, yet others see potential for innovative products akin to traditional financial instruments.

Ethereum Holds Strong Amid SEC Guidance

Did you know? The SEC’s latest guidance echoes past calls from industry groups for clarity, indicating a shift towards accommodating tokenized assets.

Ethereum (ETH) stands at $2,591.96, with a market cap of $312.92 billion, according to CoinMarketCap. Over the past 24 hours, its trading volume reached $25.08 billion, reflecting an 8.41% change. The past month sees Ethereum rising by 62.70%, with fluctuating gains and a market dominance of 9.38%.

Coincu’s research team notes the potential for more definitive regulation leading to greater institutional involvement in crypto markets. The SEC’s steps toward clearer frameworks may inspire new financial instruments and technological innovations. Such moves might encourage broader industry compliance and transparency.