SEC’s Atkins Signals 2025 Rulemaking to Support Crypto Firm Innovation.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to advance new regulatory measures in 2025 aimed at fostering innovation among cryptocurrency firms, according to Commissioner Paul Atkins.

Atkins, speaking at an industry forum, emphasized that the agency is actively working toward a framework that balances investor protection with the need to encourage growth in digital asset markets. He noted that outdated regulatory hurdles have slowed progress in the sector and that the upcoming rules will be designed to provide greater clarity for businesses seeking to operate within the U.S.

“Regulatory certainty is essential if we want to see responsible innovation flourish,” Atkins said. “Our goal is to modernize the rules in a way that safeguards investors without stifling technological advances.”

The initiative reflects the SEC’s broader shift toward accommodating the rapid expansion of blockchain-based financial services and digital assets. Market participants have long called for clearer guidance on issues such as token classification, custody standards, and secondary market trading.

Industry leaders welcomed Atkins’ remarks, interpreting them as a sign that Washington is becoming more open to the role of crypto in mainstream finance. However, some observers cautioned that the final shape of the regulations will depend on negotiations within the Commission and with other U.S. regulators.

If implemented, the 2025 rule changes could mark a pivotal moment for the U.S. digital asset ecosystem, potentially reducing regulatory uncertainty and opening the door for more institutional participation in the sector.