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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to introduce what could become its most significant crypto-focused rulemaking to date, potentially changing how blockchain startups raise capital and launch new projects in the US.
According to the agency’s updated regulatory agenda, the proposal, known as “Regulation Crypto“, could be released as early as July, pending final review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).
The rule would introduce temporary regulatory exemptions for certain crypto activities, ease fundraising requirements for startups, and establish clearer pathways for developers launching blockchain-based investment contracts.
The proposal comes as Congress continues to struggle with comprehensive crypto market structure legislation, leaving the SEC to take a leading role in shaping the industry’s regulatory framework.
The proposed framework aims to provide greater legal certainty for cryptocurrency businesses during the early stages of development.
Under the draft proposal outlined earlier this year by SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, developers launching crypto investment contracts would qualify for temporary exemptions from securities registration requirements under certain conditions.
LATEST: 🇺🇸 The SEC is expected to propose a major crypto rule as soon as July, easing fundraising for startups and creating exemptions for some crypto activity. pic.twitter.com/P3oAGomfRU
— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) July 7, 2026
The rule would also allow startups to raise a limited amount of capital without completing the full SEC registration process typically required for securities offerings.
Another key feature is a regulatory safe harbor for projects that gradually decentralize over time. If an issuer reduces or eliminates its managerial role over a blockchain network, it could eventually transition away from securities regulation.
While the proposal has not yet been formally released, it represents one of the first attempts to establish a dedicated regulatory regime specifically designed for crypto assets.
The proposal marks another step in the SEC’s evolving approach to digital assets under Chairman Paul Atkins.
In April, the agency introduced its first formal crypto taxonomy, outlining how different categories of digital assets should be defined for regulatory and jurisdictional purposes. It is also developing new frameworks for tokenized securities, digital asset custody and broader crypto market structure.
SEC Plans Crypto Safe Harbor Proposal as Early as This Month
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has updated its 2026 rulemaking agenda and plans to release its long-awaited crypto regulatory proposal for public comment as early as this month. The proposal aims to… pic.twitter.com/3KxGOlZ3CZ
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) July 8, 2026
“To deliver on President Trump’s goal to ensure that the United States is the crypto capital of the world, we are embracing innovation to bring more products onshore,” Atkins said. He added that the SEC aims to create “clear rules of the road for capital raising with crypto assets.”
Unlike previous staff guidance, a formal SEC rule would carry greater legal weight and would be more difficult for future administrations to reverse.
For blockchain companies, Regulation Crypto could reduce one of the industry’s biggest challenges: regulatory uncertainty.
Many startups have struggled to determine whether token launches or fundraising fall under securities laws. The proposed exemptions could reduce compliance costs and provide clearer rules during early-stage network development.
The proposal also arrives as crypto legislation remains stalled in Congress, increasing the importance of regulatory action from the SEC.
The agency’s agenda indicates that Regulation Crypto is only the first step, with additional proposals covering digital asset custody and crypto market structure expected later this year.
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