The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has released its 2026 regulatory agenda, confirming a crypto rulemaking meeting will be held this month. The move marks a shift from the agency's previous enforcement-heavy approach under former Chair Gary Gensler to a tailored rulemaking framework under Chairman Paul Atkins.
Meeting Starts Formal Rulemaking, Not Final Rules
The SEC said the upcoming meeting will begin the formal rulemaking process, with draft proposals published for public comment before final adoption. The agenda covers crypto asset definitions, exchange and broker-dealer rules, custody standards, and tokenized securities alongside on-chain financial market regulations.
Exchange, Custody and Broker-Dealer Rules in Focus
The Commission plans to revise exchange and broker-dealer requirements, including liquid capital standards, customer asset protections in insolvency, and recordkeeping rules involving crypto assets. The agency said the new rules aim to provide greater certainty for issuing, trading, and holding digital assets while maintaining investor safeguards.
Chairman Atkins: Balancing Innovation and Investor Protection
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins said the agency has made significant progress since his tenure began. “The Commission wants its regulatory framework to reflect technological changes across financial markets,” he stated. Atkins stressed that clearer rules for crypto fundraising, custody, and on-chain trading will support innovation, and align with President Trump’s goal of making the U.S. the global hub for crypto innovation.
Tokenized Securities and On-Chain Finance Get Clearer Path
The SEC said its proposals will establish clearer rules for tokenized securities and on-chain financial markets, reducing uncertainty while continuing enforcement against violators. The agenda also includes simplifying public company disclosure requirements and exploring broader retail participation in private markets while preserving investor protections.
Under Atkins, the SEC has shifted toward developing tailored crypto regulations after relying heavily on enforcement actions during Gensler’s tenure. This month’s meeting kicks off the public rulemaking process, with final regulations expected later this year.