- The SEC’s new agenda aims to provide clear rules for crypto trading and custody, marking a policy shift for the agency.
- Traditional exchanges like Nasdaq may soon list spot Bitcoin and Ethereum following joint CFTC-SEC guidance.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has published its regulatory agenda for the cryptocurrency sector. This plan outlines a series of proposed rules and adjustments for the coming months. The document is called the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins described the announcement as the start of a “new day” for the agency. He stated that a main objective is to provide clear rules for crypto asset issuance, custody, and trading. Atkins also emphasized the continued importance of discouraging unlawful conduct within the market.
This initiative follows a period of public discussion led by the agency’s internal Crypto Task Force. The agenda proposes measures that would permit the trading of digital assets on national securities exchanges. It also re-examines certain policies from the previous administration that were seen as restrictive.
A recent joint directive with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has already created a path for traditional trading platforms to list specific spot crypto assets. Analysts suggest this could lead to widespread integration, with exchanges like Nasdaq and NYSE potentially supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum trading.
The SEC also intends to review the Consolidated Audit Trail system. The goal is to lessen the reporting requirements for firms that operate in the market. This change would reduce the compliance workload for many companies.
These regulatory updates form part of a wider shift in policy under the current administration. Since the beginning of 2025, the government has halted several enforcement actions initiated by the previous leadership against major crypto firms.
Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham has voiced support for a leading U.S. role in shaping international digital asset regulations. She asserted that the country should establish a cross-border framework for crypto and Web3 to promote liquid and efficient markets.
