On March 17, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued an interpretive release addressing the application of the federal securities laws to crypto assets and related transactions. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) joined the interpretation and indicated it will administer the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) consistent with the SEC’s approach, reflecting a coordinated regulatory position across the two agencies.
The release represents the most significant step by the SEC to date in clarifying the application of existing federal securities law principles to crypto assets. In remarks delivered the same day at The Digital Chamber’s Blockchain Summit, SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins outlined a potential framework – referred to as “Regulation Crypto Assets” – that could include tailored exemptions and a safe harbor for certain crypto-related offerings.