- SEC Chair Paul Atkins said a proposed crypto safe harbor framework is now under White House review.
- The proposal is at OIRA, the final review stage before publication, and Atkins said a formal rule package should be released shortly.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has moved one of its closely watched crypto proposals into the White House review process, a step that suggests the agency is getting closer to putting an actual framework on the table rather than just talking around it.
Speaking on Monday at the Digital Assets and Emerging Technology Policy Summit hosted by Vanderbilt University and the Blockchain Association, SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the proposal is now with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, or OIRA, which reviews federal rules before they are published.
OIRA review puts the proposal on a more formal track
Atkins said the SEC would be proposing “reg crypto” shortly, adding that the proposal is already at OIRA. That matters because OIRA review is typically the last procedural stop before a rulemaking proposal becomes public.
The safe harbor concept, as described in recent reporting around Atkins’ remarks, is meant to give crypto projects room to launch and raise capital without having to complete securities registration immediately. The broader idea is to create a more tailored pathway for token issuers while keeping at least some disclosure and investor-protection framework in place.
A shift from speeches to actual rule text
That does not mean the framework is finished, or that it will move through public comment without resistance. It does mean the conversation is becoming more concrete.
For months, much of Washington’s crypto debate has been heavy on principle and light on mechanism. This looks different. If the proposal is published in the near term, market participants will finally have actual text to scrutinize, not just broad signals from agency speeches.
For founders, exchanges and legal teams, that alone changes the tone. The question is no longer whether the SEC wants to discuss bespoke crypto rules. It is what, exactly, those rules will say once they are out in the open.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Polish Parliament Fails to Override President's Veto on Crypto Law; PM Alleges Russian Interference
Polish lawmakers failed to override President Nawrocki's veto on a cryptocurrency regulation bill aimed at aligning with EU standards. Tensions rise as accusations emerge of Russian influence in a major crypto exchange amid liquidity issues and lack of regulation.
GateNews1h ago
White House Mediates Clarity Act Stablecoin Dispute, Witt Reveals Legislative Timeline
Patrick Witt announced at the Solana Policy Institute summit that the White House mediated a stablecoin dispute to advance the Clarity Act. The compromise allows banks and crypto firms to together address regulatory concerns, with future focus on crypto taxation and blockchain integration strategies among financial institutions.
GateNews7h ago
Hong Kong SFC Investment Committee Warns Prediction Market Trading May Constitute Illegal Gambling
The Hong Kong SFC warns that prediction markets are speculative and not investment products, lacking regulatory protection. They involve gambling elements, potentially making them illegal. The committee urges the public to differentiate between investment and gambling.
GateNews9h ago
Economist Proposes National USD Stablecoin to Eliminate Currency Controls in Venezuela
Alejandro Grisanti, head of Ecoanalitica, proposed issuing a national USD stablecoin as part of a series of measures to lift currency controls in Venezuela. This system would complement the current auction system, allowing the excluded sector to receive dollars via blockchain rails.
Key
Coinpedia12h ago
Elizabeth Warren Accuses SEC Chair Paul Atkins of Misleading Congress Over Enforcement Decline
Senator Elizabeth Warren accused SEC Chair Paul Atkins of misleading Congress about enforcement actions' decline. With only 456 new cases in 2025, concerns arise regarding the SEC's effectiveness and the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency and market oversight.
GateNews12h ago
CLARITY Act Delay Continues as Senator Thom Tillis Signals Ongoing Talks
Lawmakers are delaying the CLARITY Act due to ongoing negotiations on stablecoin provisions, with timing uncertain and potential markup pushed to late April or early May. Kevin Warsh’s financial disclosures add complexity to regulatory discussions.
CryptoFrontNews15h ago
