SEC’s Paul Atkins Targets Year-End Launch for “Innovation Exemption” in Crypto Rules

SEC Chair Paul Atkins revealed Tuesday that the agency is racing to introduce an “innovation exemption” for select digital assets before the year ends, underscoring the regulator’s swift pro-crypto pivot.

Speaking on Fox Business’ Mornings With Maria, Atkins said the SEC also plans to wrap up key crypto rulemakings “in the coming months,” signaling rapid movement on what he calls Project Crypto.

Unveiled in July, Project Crypto seeks to ease regulatory burdens on blockchain projects and foster deeper integration of digital assets into the U.S. economy. The initiative hints at sweeping reforms—potential exemptions for token sales and network rewards, plus safe harbors for ICOs and airdrops—aimed at loosening securities-law constraints on crypto activity.

While details remain under wraps, Atkins confirmed that the SEC’s latest rulemaking agenda will consider redefining how New Deal-era financial laws apply to digital assets, potentially rewriting the framework for exchanges and dealers.

“I’m excited to help America lead with innovation,” Atkins said, framing the effort as both a regulatory reset and a bid to anchor the U.S. at the forefront of crypto development.