SEC Submits Guidance on Applying Securities Laws to Crypto

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-05Last updated on 2026-03-05

Abstract

The U.S. SEC has provided the White House with a new framework outlining how federal securities laws apply to various cryptocurrencies. The guidance, currently in the pre-rule stage, aims to establish a "token taxonomy" to classify crypto assets and clarify which are considered securities. This will affect how crypto companies register, disclose information, and operate. Separately, the CFTC submitted proposals related to prediction markets, which allow betting on event outcomes. U.S. regulators are increasing efforts to define clearer rules for both crypto and prediction markets as these areas continue to grow.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has shared a new framework with the White House that explains how federal security rules apply to different types of cryptocurrencies, aiming to provide clearer guidance for crypto companies and investors navigating U.S. regulations. Also, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) submitted regulatory proposals related to prediction markets.

On March 3, the SEC submitted a Commission-level guidance titled “Commission Interpretation on Application of the Federal Securities Laws to Certain Types of Crypto Assets and Certain Transactions Involving Crypto Assets.” The framework is currently in the pre-rule stage and is undergoing review by other government agencies

According to the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), only a little information has been disclosed thus far. According to reports, the framework will most likely focus on developing a “token taxonomy,” a system for categorizing crypto assets to determine which are considered securities under SEC laws and which may be treated differently.

This level of detail may have an impact on how crypto companies register with regulators, fulfill disclosure obligations, operate their businesses, and interact with investors. As commission-level guidance, it does not require a vote from the SEC and is often regarded as more actionable.

Regulatory Focus Expands to Prediction Markets

In addition, the Commodity Futures and Trading Commission submitted measures related to Prediction Markets to the White House on March 2. The Prediction Markets refer to contract markets that allow bets on the outcomes of specific events such as election results, sports games, and geopolitical incidents.

Before this, the U.S. SEC had warned that some prediction market contracts could fall under federal securities laws, which indicates that multiple regulators are keeping a close eye on this rapidly growing space. Further, it added that SEC Chair Paul Atkins described prediction markets as a “huge issue” and stated that there is some overlap with commodity market regulators due to the complexities surrounding the issue.

With that, as crypto and prediction markets continue to appear, U.S. regulators are stepping up efforts to define clearer boundaries and oversight frameworks

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TagsCryptoSEC

Related Questions

QWhat is the main purpose of the SEC's new framework submitted to the White House?

AThe SEC's new framework aims to provide clearer guidance on how federal securities laws apply to different types of cryptocurrencies, helping crypto companies and investors navigate U.S. regulations.

QWhat stage is the SEC's framework currently in, and what is its official title?

AThe framework is currently in the pre-rule stage and is titled 'Commission Interpretation on Application of the Federal Securities Laws to Certain Types of Crypto Assets and Certain Transactions Involving Crypto Assets.'

QWhat is a 'token taxonomy' as mentioned in the article, and why is it important?

AA 'token taxonomy' is a system for categorizing crypto assets to determine which are considered securities under SEC laws and which may be treated differently, impacting registration, disclosure, and operational requirements for crypto companies.

QWhich other regulatory body submitted proposals to the White House, and what specific market did they address?

AThe Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) submitted regulatory proposals related to Prediction Markets, which involve betting on outcomes of events like elections, sports games, and geopolitical incidents.

QWhy did SEC Chair Paul Atkins describe prediction markets as a 'huge issue'?

APaul Atkins described prediction markets as a 'huge issue' due to their complexity and the regulatory overlap with commodity market regulators, as some contracts may fall under federal securities laws.

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