SEC Staff Revisits Crypto Guidelines in Biden Era Amid Regulatory Overhaul
The review is part of efforts to ease regulatory pressure on the digital asset sector and could lead to the creation of new regulatory frameworks.
Author: Francisco Rodriguez, Aoyon Ashraf April 5, 2025, 19:01
Key points:
- The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing its previous guidance on cryptocurrencies to adapt them to current priorities, acting Chairman Mark Uyeda said.
- Key documents under review include documents on bitcoin futures, digital asset investment contracts and custody schemes.
- The review is part of efforts to reduce regulatory pressure on the digital asset sector and may lead to the creation of new regulatory frameworks.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) staff are reviewing previously issued cryptocurrency guidelines to determine whether they are consistent with the agency's modern priorities, according to a statement from Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda posted on social media site X.
Among several key documents under review is a statement from the SEC staff regarding funds registered under the Investment Company Act that invest in the bitcoin futures market, as outlined in a post on X. Other documents address digital assets as “investment contracts” and custody frameworks. These reviews could lead to a clearer understanding of the regulatory framework surrounding the digital asset sector.
Ueda's request is related to Executive Order 14192, “Unlocking Prosperity through Deregulation,” and follows Elon Musk's recommendation of DOGE.
It should be noted that the statement comes from SEC staff, not Commissioner Hester Peirce, making it less binding. However, it still shows the SEC’s willingness to ease pressure on the digital asset sector since the agency came under the control of leadership appointed by President Donald Trump.
The move is part of interim Chairman Mark Uyeda's efforts to overhaul the regulator's stance on cryptocurrencies. That includes dropping most of the agency's high-profile enforcement cases against digital asset companies.
Read more: SEC officials clarify that some crypto stablecoins are not securities
