SEC Chair Atkins Walks Back Timeline for Crypto Innovation Exemptions
SEC Chair Paul Atkins has signaled a delay in issuing broad crypto-related exemptions, backing away from previous indications that they could be released as soon as January. These exemptions would assure crypto firms that activities involving tokenized securities and decentralized finance would not face SEC enforcement. Atkins, citing ongoing efforts, now refuses to commit to a timeline for finalizing the exemptions, noting that factors such as pending congressional crypto legislation could impact timing. He emphasized a need for careful consideration and stated that while congressional action would help, it is not strictly required. The timeline shift follows meetings with major Wall Street firms, including JPMorgan and Citadel, which expressed concerns that sweeping exemptions could undermine investor protections and disrupt markets, particularly regarding tokenized securities.
