The SEC plans to establish a cryptocurrency safe zone, easing broker-dealer regulations and attracting market attention.

The chairman of the SEC, Paul Atkins, recently announced the 2025 spring regulatory agenda, releasing up to 20 potential reform proposals, covering the establishment of a secure zone for Crypto Assets, relaxed regulations for broker-dealers, and updates to digital asset trading rules. This move is seen as a significant shift in the SEC's regulatory attitude towards the crypto market, transitioning from a previous hardline enforcement approach to a more flexible policy framework that promotes innovation.

The concept of "safe zone" for crypto assets enters the SEC agenda for the first time

According to the latest regulatory agenda, the SEC plans to establish a "safe harbor" mechanism for the issuance and trading of digital assets, allowing specific projects to obtain a certain period of regulatory exemption provided they comply with regulations. This means that new crypto projects will have more room for technical testing and market promotion during their early development stages, without having to immediately face high compliance costs and legal risks.

Analysts point out that this proposal may lower the entry threshold for startup teams, attracting more capital and developers to invest in Web3 and blockchain applications.

Amend the Securities Exchange Act to Accommodate Digital Asset Trading

The SEC also plans to amend the Securities Exchange Act to accommodate the needs of Alternative Trading Systems (ATS) and national securities exchanges in handling digital assets. This move will provide a clearer legal positioning for digital asset trading platforms and reduce the litigation risks arising from regulatory gray areas.

Market observers believe that if the amendment is passed, it will help traditional financial institutions to engage more confidently in the crypto assets trading business.

Ease Regulations on Broker-Dealers to Reduce Compliance Burden

In the field of brokerage proprietary trading, the SEC proposed to adjust financial responsibility rules to reduce compliance pressure on crypto businesses in areas such as data reporting, KYC (Know Your Customer), and AML (Anti-Money Laundering).

For a long time, cryptocurrency brokers have faced operational challenges due to overly strict regulatory requirements. If this reform is implemented, it will help enhance market liquidity and promote more institutions to enter the digital asset brokerage business.

Asset custody rules "modernized" to adapt to the crypto market

The SEC also plans to update the asset custody provisions in the 1940 Investment Advisers Act to reflect the characteristics of Crypto Assets. This reform comes just eight months after a previous proposal to strengthen the regulation of digital assets was rejected, indicating a significant shift in policy direction under the new SEC administration.

Since former chairman Gary Gensler resigned in January, the SEC has gradually abandoned long-term investigations and lawsuits, opting instead for a regulatory model that seeks cooperation with the market.

Conclusion

The SEC's new regulatory agenda marks a significant turning point in U.S. crypto policy: shifting from strict enforcement to flexible regulation, and attempting to provide a clearer development path for the digital asset market through "safe harbors," legal revisions, and regulatory relaxations. Although these proposals still need to go through public consultation and review, once implemented, they could reshape the regulatory landscape of the U.S. crypto industry. For more regulatory updates and market analysis, please follow the official Gate platform.