SEC Proposes $75M Crypto Fundraising Exemption

"As we continue the Commission's efforts to provide clarity for crypto markets, and as Congress works to establish a lasting regulatory framework, Regulation Crypto Assets seeks to provide crypto asset entrepreneurs and market participants with clear pathways to raise capital under the federal securities laws," SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins said in the release.

Atkins added that Congress designed securities laws to "amplify – within specific guardrails – opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and build new products." He called the proposal a key element in the SEC's strategy to "onshore innovation in crypto asset markets."

The proposed rules follow the SEC's March interpretation of how federal securities laws apply to certain crypto assets and transactions. Together, the two actions create a securities offering regime aimed at encouraging domestic crypto capital formation, the agency said.

The move comes as crypto legislation remains stalled in Congress, leaving regulators to set policy on their own. Tuesday's proposal marks the SEC's first major rulemaking under Atkins, who took office earlier this year.

Industry groups and law firms are expected to submit comments during the 60-day window. The comment period will begin once the proposal is published in the Federal Register.