- The SEC will consider proposed crypto offering rules on August 14, starting a regulatory process that includes public comments and review.
- The framework could create registration exemptions and safe harbors for certain crypto offerings under the SEC’s broader regulatory plans.
- The SEC initiative comes as the Senate delays the CLARITY Act, with a potential cloture vote scheduled for September 15.
The SEC will consider a new crypto offering framework Friday, August 14, as lawmakers remain divided over the CLARITY Act. The open meeting starts at 10 a.m. ET and will address proposed rules for certain investment contracts involving crypto assets. The move could begin a separate regulatory process while Congress continues negotiating legislation.
SEC Opens Door To New Crypto Offering Rules
According to journalist Eleanor Terrett, the SEC will consider whether to issue the proposed rules. The meeting would represent the first formal step toward creating a tailored offering regime. However, the SEC would not adopt the rules during Friday’s meeting.
Under the usual process, a proposal would enter a public comment period before further review. The agency would also conduct economic analysis and consider potential revisions. A separate commission vote would then determine whether the rules become final.
According to Crypto In America, the framework could include registration exemptions and safe harbors for certain crypto offerings. The initiative appears connected to the SEC’s broader Regulation Crypto Assets plans.
The agency may also build on a March interpretation with the CFTC. That interpretation established five token categories and clarified when crypto investment contracts begin and end.
CLARITY Act Delay Shapes Regulatory Path
The SEC meeting comes after the Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act before its August recess. Senate Republicans plan to test the bill with a September 15 cloture vote.
However, disagreements remain over ethics restrictions, stablecoin rewards and enforcement powers. The Senate also faces unresolved negotiations involving the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act and commodities provisions.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins has previously said the agency could address several market structure issues. Still, he has said congressional legislation would provide clearer long-term direction.
Atkins also said the SEC was considering rules covering onchain exchanges, brokers, dealers, clearing agencies and crypto vaults. Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda have also discussed avoiding action that could preempt Congress.
Tokenization And CFTC Plans Remain Separate
The SEC’s meeting notice does not mention its planned tokenization innovation exemption. Its rulemaking agenda also includes crypto custody, broker-dealer and transfer-agent proposals.
Meanwhile, the CFTC announced its Innovation Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting August 20. The panel includes representatives from Coinbase, Ripple, Robinhood, Kraken, Gemini, Polymarket, Kalshi, CME and Nasdaq.
Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad said regulators can continue using existing authority. The SEC has not publicly responded to requests for comment on the proposal.
