SEC Chair Says Most Crypto Not Securities

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins will address the “Project Crypto” initiative at 8:30 PM Beijing time on August 15, aiming to modernize U.S. securities regulations and promote digitization.

This approach could reshape global digital asset markets, encouraging innovation and fostering a competitive regulatory environment in the U.S., with potential impacts on major cryptocurrencies and DeFi platforms.

SEC’s New Crypto Framework: Classification and Consequences

On August 1, the SEC launched Project Crypto to Transform Securities Regulations by SEC to modernize securities regulations in the U.S. Chairman Paul Atkins is leading the push for a regulatory framework that asserts most crypto assets are not securities, a significant move in U.S. financial policy.

Regulatory guidelines will specify when assets qualify as securities and address tokenization of stocks, bonds, and partnerships. This might prompt shifts in institutional engagement as clear rules are crafted.

“Most crypto assets are not securities… Antiquated rules must not impede innovation and entrepreneurship in the United States.” — Paul S. Atkins, Chairman, SEC (source)

Community reactions remain focused on Atkins’s policy shift, with expectations for the U.S. crypto industry rising significantly. Anticipation grows, especially from crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms, hoping for a favorable operational environment.

Crypto Market Forecast: Implications for Investors and Innovations

Did you know? SEC’s shift to classify most crypto as non-securities reflects historical attempts at fostering a crypto-friendly regulatory environment, with parallels to past reforms that incrementally adjusted regulatory practices.

Bitcoin’s current market status: Worth $119,126.99, it maintains a market cap of $2.37 trillion and a 24-hour trading volume of $100.71 billion, as recorded on August 15, 2025. It shows a 3.64% decline over the last day. CoinMarketCap reports a circulating supply of 19,906,546 BTC out of a potential 21 million.

The Coincu research team notes that Project Crypto’s emphasis on non-securities classification could enhance investment flows and technological adoption. The prospect of DeFi integrations into U.S. markets remains promising, suggesting broader possibilities for bridging traditional assets with digital innovation.