Regulation
Low Risk ImpactSignal
SEC Launches "Project Crypto" to Create Clearer Rules
Event: Feb 18, 2026
What happened
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced a comprehensive regulatory agenda called "Project Crypto" aimed at creating practical, clear rules for digital assets. This includes guidance on when tokens are securities, an "innovation exemption" for new technologies, and frameworks for tokenized securities and custody.
What actually changed
- •SEC moving from enforcement-first to guidance-first approach
- •Working on "token taxonomy" to clarify which tokens are securities
- •Creating "innovation exemptions" to reduce barriers for new projects
- •Issued guidance allowing tokenized securities trading pilots
- •Coordinating with CFTC for unified federal oversight
Who is affected
UsersExchangesBusinessesDevelopers
Does this change the basics?
No — How crypto works technically remains the same. This affects how crypto businesses can operate in the US.
What a beginner should do
Nothing immediate — just understand. Clearer rules generally mean more legitimate businesses can operate, which could benefit users over time.