TLDR
- SEC’s Project Crypto aims to simplify rules and boost U.S. blockchain growth
- New SEC roadmap clears path for token trading and crypto capital formation
- Project Crypto modernizes U.S. rules to reclaim global blockchain leadership
- SEC to enable super-apps, self-custody, and tokenized traditional assets
- Blockchain-friendly SEC shift to drive innovation and on-chain infrastructure
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has introduced “Project Crypto,” a major regulatory initiative aimed at transforming the digital asset space. SEC Chair Paul Atkins unveiled the plan in Washington, signaling a strategic pivot to encourage blockchain innovation. The initiative supports the Trump administration’s objective to establish the United States as the global hub for crypto development.
Today, SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced Project Crypto in a landmark speech, a bold initiative to modernize U.S. securities regulation for the blockchain era.
His vision charts a clear path forward, one that embraces tokenized securities, stablecoins, and crypto-native… pic.twitter.com/GnuRLpt7v7
— Ondo Finance (@OndoFinance) July 31, 2025
Clear Rules to Attract Blockchain Businesses Back to U.S. Markets
Project Crypto outlines a regulatory roadmap that aims to simplify and modernize outdated securities laws for blockchain-based markets. The SEC plans to create straightforward rules for token issuance, digital asset trading and on-chain securities. These steps intend to bring back digital asset firms that previously left due to restrictive enforcement policies.
The agency emphasized the need for market clarity, stressing that many crypto assets do not qualify as securities under traditional tests. By clarifying the classification of assets like stablecoins and digital collectibles, the SEC aims to reduce legal confusion. The initiative also introduces new categories for blockchain-based products, enabling broader participation.
The SEC intends to encourage crypto-related capital formation within the U.S. rather than pushing it offshore. This includes support for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), airdrops, and network rewards under fit-for-purpose exemptions. The goal is to boost domestic innovation while maintaining accountability under federal securities law.
Expanded Custody Options and Unified Crypto Trading Platforms
The SEC will prioritize expanding custody solutions and trading freedom for digital assets within regulated structures. The current framework, developed before blockchain’s rise, often excludes crypto firms from offering compliant custody services. Project Crypto seeks to reverse that by revising rules and enabling a wider range of service providers.
Chair Atkins stressed the importance of private property rights, including the freedom to self-custody crypto assets using digital wallets. But traditional financial firms will still play a key role, so modernized rules for broker-dealers and investment advisers are planned. These updates aim to balance security with market flexibility.
The SEC intends to authorize “super-apps” that allow trading of both securities and non-security digital assets under one license. These platforms will support services like staking and lending, without needing dozens of overlapping state and federal approvals. This move is expected to increase competition and drive growth across the digital asset ecosystem.
Building On-Chain Infrastructure and Enabling Software Innovation
The SEC also plans to support on-chain software systems that do not rely on intermediaries, including decentralized finance tools. The initiative calls for updated regulations that recognize blockchain-native models as legitimate market infrastructure. Automated systems like decentralized exchanges could operate lawfully under new guidance.
Project Crypto supports tokenizing traditional assets such as stocks and bonds within the U.S. market. The Commission is working with Wall Street firms and technology startups to bring tokenized securities into mainstream finance. This tokenization effort is already gaining momentum globally, and the SEC aims to lead.
To accelerate adoption, the SEC is developing an innovation exemption allowing new products to launch under principles-based compliance rules. This flexible approach aims to prioritize commercial viability without compromising transparency or security. Project Crypto marks a significant regulatory shift designed to keep America ahead in blockchain technology.
