Paul Atkins Pushes for SEC Crypto ‘Innovation Exemption’ by Year’s End

SEC Chair Paul Atkins said Tuesday that he aims to institute an “innovation exemption” for certain digital assets by year’s end, in the most tangible sign yet of how quickly the regulator’s aggressive pro-crypto push is taking shape. Atkins gave the timeline update this morning during an appearance on the Fox Business show “Mornings With Maria,” in which he also announced plans for the SEC to complete certain crypto rulemakings “in the coming months.”

In July, Atkins unveiled “Project Crypto”—an SEC initiative to dramatically lower regulatory burdens for the crypto industry and to accelerate the integration of digital assets with the traditional U.S. economy.  Teased elements of “Project Crypto” include exemptions for crypto transactions that would otherwise be subject to securities laws, and safe harbors for popular digital asset categories including ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards.