--- title: "Paul Atkins Says, America 'Must and Will Lead' in Crypto, as SEC Chair Hails 'Most Historic Step' to Modernize Securities Laws for Digital Assets" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/296301094.md" description: "The SEC introduced new rules to modernize securities laws for digital assets, establishing a clear regulatory framework. Key provisions include exemptions allowing crypto firms to issue up to $5 million in tokens over four years and raise $75 million annually without full registration. SEC Chair Paul Atkins hailed this as a historic step to ensure U.S. leadership in crypto, shifting from enforcement-based regulation to a supportive regime." datetime: "2026-08-19T03:28:22.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/296301094.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296301094.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/296301094.md) --- # Paul Atkins Says, America 'Must and Will Lead' in Crypto, as SEC Chair Hails 'Most Historic Step' to Modernize Securities Laws for Digital Assets The Securities and Exchange Commission introduced a new set of rules on Tuesday, aiming to establish a clear regulatory framework for investment contracts involving cryptocurrency assets. ## New Federal Exemptions for Crypto The proposed rules comprise two exemptions from the Securities Act of 1933 registration requirements. The first exemption would give cryptocurrency firms a one-time allowance to issue up to $5 million in tokens over four years, as well as the ability to conduct offerings of up to $75 million annually. Both exemptions require issuers to provide certain “principles-based narrative disclosures” to investors. In other words, the SEC’s proposal would exempt certain cryptocurrency companies and token offerings from U.S. securities regulations, potentially making it easier for companies to issue tokens and raise capital. Once a project has finished the key managerial efforts it promised under the investment contract, the cryptocurrency asset itself can qualify for a “safe harbor,” so it is no longer treated as a security. In addition, offers and sales made under these new federal exemptions would not need separate state-level securities registration. **Read Also: Bitcoin Needs to Stay Above $63,000 for Fresh Upside: 10x Research** ## SEC Chair Calls it ‘Most Historic Step’ SEC Chair **Paul Atkins** said the agency has taken “the most historic step” to modernize federal securities regulations for cryptocurrencies. “As the Crypto Capital of the World, the U.S. must and will lead. Regulation Crypto Assets will ensure that we do,” Atkins added. Atkins said the SEC supports the congressional progress on the CLARITY Act and expects the bill to become law soon. > With our new proposal, the SEC is taking the most historic step yet to modernize federal securities regulations for crypto assets. > > As the Crypto Capital of the World, the U.S. must and will lead. Regulation Crypto Assets will ensure that we do. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/z0MmDF4doV > > — Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) August 18, 2026 ## A Crypto-Friendly Regulatory Regime Earlier this year, the SEC issued an interpretation clarifying that “most cryptocurrency assets,” including non-fungible tokens and dollar-backed stablecoins, aren’t securities. The new guidance differed sharply from the **Gary Gensler-**led SEC, which viewed cryptocurrencies other than **Bitcoin** (CRYPTO: BTC) as securities. Notably, Project Crypto—a joint regulatory initiative led by the SEC and the CFTC to modernize digital asset regulation—has been set into motion. Meanwhile, CFTC Chair **Mike Selig** teased the inaugural meeting of the “Innovation Advisory Committee,” scheduled for Thursday, positioning the agency to support blockchain, AI, and prediction markets by moving away from “regulation by enforcement.” > For years, anti-crypto armies, doomers, and decelerationists stifled innovation, regulating by enforcement and driving transformational technologies like blockchain, AI, and prediction markets overseas. > > On August 20, the @CFTC is turning the page and charting a course for the… pic.twitter.com/Fx31iuidd3 > > — Mike Selig (@ChairmanSelig) August 18, 2026 **Read Also: Bitcoin Custody for Institutional Clients Is Coming to Citi Later This Year** _Photo Courtesy: K.unshu on Shutterstock.com_ ### Related Stocks - [C.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/C.US.md) - [C-R.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/C-R.US.md) ## Related News & Research - [Kalshi seeks approval to bring crypto-style perps to stocks and copper](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296341816.md) - [Trump to host crypto executives as SEC weighs regulations](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296358805.md) - [Trump agencies to set crypto policy as bill stalls, limiting industry's gains](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296209373.md) - [DriveItAway to Suspend SEC Reporting, Files Form 15 to Deregister Common Stock](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296257472.md) - [Analysis:Trump agencies to set crypto policy as bill stalls, limiting industry's gains](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296210934.md)