SEC Staff May Allow State Trust Companies to Custody Crypto, Broadening Digital-Asset Custody Options

‘+
”,

// 2
”+

‘+
🚀 Advanced Platform. Real Opportunities.
‘+
Access deep liquidity, fast execution, and powerful order types. Start today.‘+

‘+
”,

// 3
”+

‘+
📈 Make Every Move Count
‘+
From spot to advanced trading tools, unlock a professional-grade experience in minutes.‘+

‘+
”,

// 4
”+

‘+
🧠 Smart Tools for Serious Traders
‘+
Set precise entries, manage risk, and act faster with pro features. Join now.‘+

‘+
”,

// 5
”+

‘+
⚡ Speed, Depth, Control
‘+
Tap into high-performance trading with robust charting and order execution.‘+

‘+
”,

// 6
”+

‘+
💼 Built for Professionals
‘+
Leverage advanced analytics and a wide selection of assets. Get started now.‘+

‘+
”,

// 7
”+

‘+
📊 Precision Trading, Simplified
‘+
Powerful charts, alerts, and order controls designed to help you execute with confidence.‘+

‘+
”,

// 8
”+

‘+
🔒 Secure. Efficient. Professional.
‘+
Experience a reliable environment to trade the markets your way—anytime.‘+

‘+

];

var adplace = document.getElementById(“ads-binance”);
if (adplace) {
// Persist & rotate creatives per session
var sessIndex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(“adsindexProEx”), 10);
var idx = Number.isInteger(sessIndex) ? sessIndex : Math.floor(Math.random() * adscodesPro.length);
adplace.innerHTML = adscodesPro[idx];

// Cycle next index
var next = (idx === adscodesPro.length – 1) ? 0 : idx + 1;
sessionStorage.setItem(“adsindexProEx”, next);
}
})();

  • SEC confirms state trust companies can act as crypto custodians when advisers follow specific safeguards.

  • Relief is a limited, staff-level no-action assurance pending formal rule changes to custody requirements.

  • Regulatory debate continues: some policymakers praise the step, while others call for formal rulemaking.

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 2
    ”+

    ‘+
    📈 Trade Smarter, Not Harder
    ‘+
    Advanced charts, precise orders, and real-time insights—start now.‘+

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 3
    ”+

    ‘+
    💼 Built for Active Traders
    ‘+
    Access robust analytics, swift execution, and a wide range of markets.‘+

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 4
    ”+

    ‘+
    ⚡ Speed, Control, Precision
    ‘+
    Set entries, manage risk, and act on opportunities in seconds.‘+

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 5
    ”+

    ‘+
    🧠 Pro Tools for Clear Decisions
    ‘+
    Alerts, order controls, and analytics designed for disciplined execution.‘+

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 6
    ”+

    ‘+
    📊 Elevate Your Strategy
    ‘+
    From scalping to swing, harness data-driven trading with ease.‘+

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 7
    ”+

    ‘+
    🔒 Reliable. Efficient. Pro-Ready.
    ‘+
    Trade your plan in a stable, high-performance environment—anytime.‘+

    ‘+
    ”,

    // 8
    ”+

    ‘+
    🧭 Navigate Volatility with Confidence
    ‘+
    Use advanced order types and risk tools to stay in control.‘+

    ‘+

    ];

    var adplace = document.getElementById(“ads-gateio”);
    if (adplace) {
    // Persist & rotate creatives per session
    var sessIndex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(“adsindexGateio”), 10);
    var idx = Number.isInteger(sessIndex) ? sessIndex : Math.floor(Math.random() * adscodesGateio.length);
    adplace.innerHTML = adscodesGateio[idx];

    // Cycle next index
    var next = (idx === adscodesGateio.length – 1) ? 0 : idx + 1;
    sessionStorage.setItem(“adsindexGateio”, next);
    }
    })();

state trust companies crypto custody — SEC staff allows advisers to use state-chartered trust companies as crypto custodians; review safeguards and act accordingly.

state trust companies as crypto custodians: The SEC’s Division of Investment Management issued a no-action assurance saying it will not recommend enforcement action if registered advisers use state trust companies to custody crypto, provided advisers meet due-diligence and safeguards requirements and act in clients’ best interest.

What are state trust companies as crypto custodians?

State trust companies as crypto custodians are state-chartered entities permitted to hold and safeguard digital asset private keys and related custody infrastructure for registered advisers and regulated funds. The SEC staff’s no-action assurance allows advisers to use these entities if they implement written procedures and perform client-focused due diligence.

How can advisers use state trust companies to custody cryptocurrency?

Advisers may rely on state trust companies when they determine, after due diligence, that using such an entity is in clients’ best interests. The SEC staff conditionally limited enforcement recommendations to cases where the trust company maintains custody safeguards, the adviser documents oversight, and fund managers meet custody provisions of the Investment Company Act and Investment Advisers Act.

‘+
”,

// 2
”+

‘+
⚡ High-Performance Futures Trading
‘+
Trade with deep liquidity, precise controls, and real-time insights.‘+

‘+
”,

// 3
”+

‘+
🧠 Smarter Strategies. Better Execution.
‘+
Build positions with leverage responsibly and manage risk with pro-grade tools.‘+

‘+
”,

// 4
”+

‘+
🚀 Futures Opportunities, 24/7
‘+
Go long or short with confidence. Execute fast and stay in control.‘+

‘+
”,

// 5
”+

‘+
📊 Precision Tools for Volatile Markets
‘+
Set entries, define stops, and automate alerts for your edge.‘+

‘+
”,

// 6
”+

‘+
💼 Built for Serious Futures Traders
‘+
Institutional-grade charts, risk controls, and swift order routing.‘+

‘+
”,

// 7
”+

‘+
🧭 Navigate Volatility with Control
‘+
Hedge, speculate, and rebalance with flexible leverage options.‘+

‘+
”,

// 8
”+

‘+
🔒 Secure. Efficient. Futures-Ready.
‘+
Trade your plan with reliable execution and comprehensive analytics.‘+

‘+

];

var adplace = document.getElementById(“ads-bitget”);
if (adplace) {
// Persist & rotate creatives per session
var sessIndex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(“adsindexBitgetFuts”), 10);
var idx = Number.isInteger(sessIndex) ? sessIndex : Math.floor(Math.random() * adscodesBitget.length);
adplace.innerHTML = adscodesBitget[idx];

// Cycle next index
var next = (idx === adscodesBitget.length – 1) ? 0 : idx + 1;
sessionStorage.setItem(“adsindexBitgetFuts”, next);
}
})();

The Division’s letter frames this as an “interim step to a longer-term modernization of our custody requirements,” according to Division of Investment Management director Brian Daly. The staff emphasized procedures designed to safeguard crypto and criteria for adviser oversight.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett request to SEC about state trust custody
Law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett requested assurances from the SEC that state trust companies could custody cryptocurrency assets. Source: SEC

Why did the SEC issue this no-action assurance?

The staff relief responds to industry requests for clarity about acceptable custodians for crypto assets, reducing uncertainty for registered advisers and regulated funds. It signals an intent to broaden custody options while the SEC considers formal rule changes under its regulatory flex agenda.

The current statutory regime requires client assets to be held by qualified custodians. The staff letter indicates proposed rule amendments are forthcoming to modernize custody rules for digital assets.

Who supports or opposes the change?

Supporters note the guidance provides practical clarity. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce said it ends a “guessing game” and could benefit advisory clients and fund shareholders. Market analysts and some industry participants said the move will expand custody capacity and help adoption.

‘+
”,

// 2
”+

‘+
📈 Trade With Confidence
‘+
Spot, margin, and precision tools to take control of your strategy.‘+

‘+
”,

// 3
”+

‘+
🧠 Smarter Tools. Better Decisions.
‘+
Use alerts, depth analytics, and risk controls to act faster.‘+

‘+
”,

// 4
”+

‘+
⚡ Fast Execution, Deep Liquidity
‘+
Enter and manage positions with speed and precision—anytime.‘+

‘+
”,

// 5
”+

‘+
📊 Precision Trading Made Simple
‘+
Clean UI, powerful charts, and flexible order controls for your edge.‘+

‘+
”,

// 6
”+

‘+
💼 Built for Active Traders
‘+
Analytics, watchlists, and risk tools to support your plan—start today.‘+

‘+
”,

// 7
”+

‘+
🔔 Never Miss the Move
‘+
Set custom alerts, define entries and exits, and execute with confidence.‘+

‘+
”,

// 8
”+

‘+
🔒 Secure. Efficient. Pro-Ready.
‘+
Trade your strategy with reliable performance and comprehensive tools.‘+

‘+

];

// Mount point & rotation state (renamed keys, no brand in ids/keys)
var MOUNT_ID = “ads-unit-alpha”;
var ROT_KEY = “rot_alpha_index_v1”;

var mount = document.getElementById(MOUNT_ID);
if (mount) {
var saved = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(ROT_KEY), 10);
var idx = Number.isInteger(saved) ? saved : Math.floor(Math.random() * creativesPool.length);
mount.innerHTML = creativesPool[idx];

var next = (idx === creativesPool.length – 1) ? 0 : idx + 1;
sessionStorage.setItem(ROT_KEY, next);
}
})();

Critics, including Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, argued the staff should not make changes through no-action letters and that formal rulemaking with public comment is necessary to preserve statutory protections and fairness among applicants for national charters.

Public reaction included comments from Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart and observers on social media platforms (formerly Twitter). Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis also expressed encouragement, citing state-level actions beginning in 2020.

Cynthia Lummis comments on state-chartered trust companies
Source: Cynthia Lummis

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tokenized securities covered by the SEC’s assurance?

Yes. The staff indicated coverage extends to client crypto assets held by registered advisers and crypto asset investments of regulated funds that are subject to custody provisions, including tokenized securities.

Will this immediately create more custodians?

Potentially. By expanding viable custody entities, the assurance may encourage state trust companies to offer custody services. Market participants expect an increase in qualified custodial options over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Staff-level relief: The SEC Division of Investment Management will not recommend enforcement action when advisers use state trust companies with proper safeguards.
  • Conditions apply: Advisers must document due diligence, oversight, and that custody choices are in clients’ best interest.
  • Rulemaking likely: The assurance is an interim step while the SEC considers formal custody rule modernization through proposed amendments.

Conclusion

This staff no-action assurance clarifies that state trust companies can serve as crypto custodians for registered advisers when appropriate safeguards and documented oversight are in place. The move expands custody options now and sets the stage for formal rule updates; advisers should review policies and prepare for forthcoming regulatory changes.

Publication date: 2025-10-07. Updated: 2025-10-07.

‘+
”,

// 2
”+

‘+
Advanced Platform. Clear Control.
‘+
Define entries and exits precisely with robust risk management features.‘+

‘+
”,

// 3
”+

‘+
Speed Meets Liquidity
‘+
Execute with confidence using reliable order routing and depth analytics.‘+

‘+
”,

// 4
”+

‘+
Pro-Grade Features, Simplified
‘+
Clean UI, alerting, and advanced order types designed for active traders.‘+

‘+
”,

// 5
”+

‘+
Execute with Discipline
‘+
Leverage risk tools, watchlists, and analytics to stay in control.‘+

‘+
”,

// 6
”+

‘+
24/7 Opportunities, One Interface
‘+
Build, adjust, and manage positions efficiently—anytime.‘+

‘+

];

// Mount and rotation state (new keys, no brand)
const MOUNT_NODE_ID = “promo-slot-x”;
const STORAGE_KEY = “cr_rot_seed_x”;

const mount = document.getElementById(MOUNT_NODE_ID);
if (!mount) return;

// Rotate consistently within the session
const savedIndex = parseInt(sessionStorage.getItem(STORAGE_KEY), 10);
const idx = Number.isInteger(savedIndex)
? savedIndex
: Math.floor(Math.random() * CREATIVE_SET.length);

mount.innerHTML = CREATIVE_SET[idx];

// Next index for subsequent loads
const next = (idx + 1) % CREATIVE_SET.length;
sessionStorage.setItem(STORAGE_KEY, String(next));
})();

Source: https://en.coinotag.com/sec-staff-may-allow-state-trust-companies-to-custody-crypto-broadening-digital-asset-custody-options/