Paul Atkins announced Monday that the Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing to release a proposal covering startup exemptions and fundraising inquiries.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins speaking at Vanderbilt University on April 6, 2026. (Nikhilesh De/CoinDesk)Key Takeaways:
- SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced Monday that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will soon release a «Reg Crypto» proposal once it clears White House review.
- The upcoming rulemaking will tackle issues regarding startup exemptions and fundraising protocols.
- Atkins also encouraged participants at the cryptocurrency gathering to participate in the 2026 midterm elections to «ensure your allies are in Congress.»
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Securities and Exchange Commission is on the verge of introducing a «regulation crypto» framework that will detail its strategy for supervising the digital asset sector and distinguishing between transactions classified as securities and those that are not, the agency’s leader stated Monday.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins noted that the commission’s new regulatory crypto proposal is currently with the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, indicating it is merely one step from release. This rulemaking initiative centers on the Securities Act of 1933 and will cover fundraising and startup exemptions, among other topics, he stated Monday during an event organized by Vanderbilt University and the Blockchain Association.
Following his Q&A session, he informed CoinDesk that the SEC also plans to issue its long-anticipated innovation exemption shortly.
«We would appreciate feedback and all other input,» he remarked. «While it is not a formal rule, naturally we need to understand its operation and whether individuals encounter any issues with it.»
He explained that a key feature of this exemption is that it would not disadvantage established players and would concentrate exclusively on startups.
«We desire for people to truly experiment within [that] framework,» he stated.
Midterm Focus
Throughout his address, Atkins highlighted Congress’s role, noting that his agency’s rulemaking is progressing regardless of congressional actions.
«I believe we have sufficient runway now, even disregarding what might occur in the midterms — though I certainly desire a friendly Congress, obviously — they may place obstacles in our path but they will not significantly impede our progress.»
Atkins also emphasized that the audience needed «to be involved in this forthcoming election,» citing Senator Bernie Moreno as an example.
«For Congress to truly deviate from the right path will not benefit any of us, and it will create numerous future uncertainties because people will simply think, ‘oh gosh, perhaps this is just a passing trend again,'» he said. «We must ensure that your friends are in Congress. I believe you witnessed how that truly yielded benefits in the previous election.»
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