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SECLicensingAugust 21, 2026

SEC Proposes New Crypto Asset Offering Exemptions and Security Safe Harbor

The SEC is proposing 'Regulation Crypto Assets,' which would create two new exemptions from securities registration — one for offerings up to $5 million over four years and another for offerings up to $75 million per year — with principles-based disclosure requirements for issuers. Critically, the proposal also includes a conditional safe harbor that could allow certain crypto assets to be deemed not to involve an investment contract, potentially removing them from the definition of 'security.' Crypto exchanges, token issuers, broker-dealers, and legal/compliance teams need to evaluate how these exemptions and the safe harbor conditions interact with their current token listing and offering practices.

What to do

  • Review the full proposed rule text to assess whether any tokens your firm lists, issues, or custodies could qualify for the safe harbor or offering exemptions, and engage legal counsel to prepare a comment letter or compliance gap analysis.

Who this affects

Crypto ExchangeBroker-Dealer / RIADeFi / Web3Wallet ProviderOther

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Source

Read the official publication

This radar entry is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and grounded in the linked official source; always verify against the primary source and consult qualified legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific guidance.

Related developments

CFTC

CFTC Proposes to Classify Event Contracts (Sports, Politics, Weather) as Swaps

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CFTC

CFTC Confirms Casino-Style Gambling Products Are Not Swaps

The CFTC has adopted an interim final rule formally codifying that casino-style gambling products — including sportsbook wagers and casino games — are excluded from the regulatory definition of a 'swap.' This matters to crypto and fintech compliance officers because some prediction market and betting platforms built on blockchain infrastructure have faced uncertainty about whether their products could be classified as swaps subject to CFTC oversight. This rule provides clearer regulatory boundaries for firms offering or integrating such products.

SEC

SEC Approves Generic Listing Rules for Options on Multi-Crypto Asset ETFs

Cboe BZX is establishing standardized listing criteria and continued listing standards for options on commodity-based trusts that hold multiple crypto assets, as well as options on ETFs. This creates a more defined regulatory pathway for crypto-basket investment products to have listed options, which may affect how crypto custodians, broker-dealers, and exchanges structure and offer these products. Compliance officers at firms dealing in crypto-linked securities should review the new listing standards to assess product eligibility and any associated disclosure or supervisory obligations.

CFTC

CFTC Seeks Public Input on New Rules for Crypto Asset Transactions and Markets

The CFTC has issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking signaling its intent to craft dedicated, fit-for-purpose regulations governing crypto asset transactions and markets under the Commodity Exchange Act. This is an early-stage rulemaking where the agency is actively soliciting public comment before drafting final rules, meaning the industry has a real opportunity to shape the outcome. Compliance officers at crypto firms should pay close attention, as these rules could define how crypto derivatives and spot markets are regulated at the federal level.

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