SEC Advances Token Classification to Clarify Crypto Regulations

Wall Street regulators, led by the SEC’s Chairman Paul Atkins, are developing a token classification system to clarify regulatory uncertainties in the U.S. cryptocurrency market, publicly discussed on November 12, 2025.

This initiative could redefine asset categorization, influencing major cryptocurrencies and promoting institutional confidence while impacting the regulatory environment for exchanges and decentralized finance platforms.

SEC Token Classification Proposal Moves Forward

Wall Street regulators are studying a “token classification system” to establish a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Paul Atkins, SEC Chairman, emphasized the need for innovation, stating that requiring different regulated environments could hinder it. The SEC’s initiative includes the Crypto Task Force, which is drafting token classification proposals. This development is likely to impact regulatory oversight for digital assets, shifting control of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The immediate implication points to potential market shifts as crypto assets may see changes in regulatory oversight, affecting trade compliance for exchanges and custodians. Market participants are closely monitoring these developments, noting how this could alter compliance requirements and impact trading practices. Market reactions have varied as key government officials focus on clarifying past regulatory vagueness. Paul Atkins stated that once an investment contract is considered complete, tokens need not be bound to securities transaction regulations. This effort may bolster institutional adoption, reshaping exchanges and DeFi platforms’ operations.

“We should not hamstring innovation and investor choice by requiring the underlying assets to trade in one regulated environment versus another.” — Paul Atkins, Chairman, SEC

Potential Market Shifts and Impact on Institutional Involvement

Did you know? Once the SEC proposed new regulations, historical cases like the Ripple litigation critically impacted altcoin classifications, pushing the market towards decentralized protocols.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin (BTC) is currently priced at $101,718.36, showing a 24-hour decline of 1.58% with a market cap of $2.03 trillion. The trading volume stands at $61.85 billion, marking a 13.26% decrease from the previous day. Recent price changes indicate a 13.76% decline over the last 90 days.

Insights from Coincu research highlight potential outcomes from the SEC’s classification efforts. If implemented, the initiative could provide more defined regulatory boundaries, enhancing market stability. The engagement, by regulators primarily with a focus on innovation, could significantly influence the US crypto ecosystem and institutional confidence.