SEC Unveils 2026 Agenda with Crypto-Friendly Proposals

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled its 2026 Regulatory Agenda, which includes 38 proposed rules to ease compliance for crypto companies. Key initiatives focus on tokenization standards, modernization of custody for on-chain assets, and reduction of compliance costs for public companies.

The SEC is considering a change to its rules that would expand the definition of 'qualified custodian' to give firms managing tokenized assets clearer guidelines. It also proposes a safe-harbor framework for early-stage crypto projects, allowing developers to build and test tokenized products under lighter compliance obligations.

The regulator aims to lower costs for companies looking to go public by updating disclosure forms and modifying the eligibility for simplified registration, which could spur more domestic initial public offerings (IPOs). SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that the agency is embracing innovation to bring more products onshore and create clear rules of the road for capital raising with crypto assets.