Key Takeaways
- Paul Atkins, SEC Chair, announced the Regulation Crypto Assets framework has reached the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for examination
- The framework encompasses three core components: a startup exemption, a fundraising exemption, and an investment contract safe harbor provision
- Under the startup exemption, digital asset projects could secure funding across a four-year timeline with reduced reporting obligations
- The investment contract safe harbor provision would shield specific digital assets from securities classification after development teams conclude their management activities
- Atkins referenced an additional innovation exemption concept functioning as a regulatory testing ground for blockchain-based assets
A significant milestone has been reached for the SEC’s cryptocurrency regulatory framework. During remarks on Monday, SEC Chair Paul Atkins revealed that the Regulation Crypto Assets framework has been forwarded to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, or OIRA. This represents the critical phase immediately preceding Federal Register publication, where public commentary will be solicited.
🚨BREAKING: SEC Chair Atkins says crypto safe harbor proposal now at White House for final review
“We’ll have reg crypto that we’ll be proposing here shortly. It’s in fact at OIRA right now.”
The framework lets crypto projects raise capital without immediate registration during… pic.twitter.com/CThsA8zA5g
— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) April 7, 2026
Speaking at a digital assets conference organized by Vanderbilt University alongside the Blockchain Association, Atkins indicated the framework would appear publicly in the near future.
The regulatory package was initially unveiled by Atkins during mid-March. Its primary objective is providing cryptocurrency initiatives greater operational flexibility prior to mandatory SEC registration requirements.
The proposal encompasses three principal components. Initially, the startup exemption would permit projects to secure funding up to a specified threshold during a four-year window, accompanied by diminished disclosure obligations.
Additionally, a fundraising exemption would authorize token issuers to raise a predetermined sum within a 12-month timeframe while maintaining eligibility for alternative registration exemptions available under federal securities regulations.
Finally, an investment contract safe harbor mechanism would safeguard particular digital tokens from securities designation once development teams have fulfilled all commitments made to financial backers.
Token Classification Framework’s Industry Impact
Last March also saw the SEC publishing token taxonomy guidelines. This marked the agency’s inaugural effort to consolidate definitive criteria within a single document determining when digital tokens qualify as securities. According to Atkins, the safe harbor framework is structured to complement those guidelines.
Atkins emphasized the SEC’s desire to receive market feedback ensuring the framework remains practical and functional. He revealed the agency is incorporating supplementary provisions into the package extending beyond the three primary exemptions.
In parallel, the SEC is crafting an innovation exemption that would function similarly to a regulatory testing environment for blockchain-native assets. This concept has encountered resistance from conventional financial sector participants, who contend expansive exemptions might compromise investor safeguards and market supervision.
Regulatory Strategy Under Discussion
Citadel Securities has advocated for the SEC to employ conventional notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures. The Blockchain Association countered on Monday, asserting traditional rulemaking isn’t mandatory and noting the SEC’s historical reliance on exemption-based approaches.
Atkins affirmed the agency possesses authority to pursue exemption pathways and indicated parameters governing the innovation exemption would be disclosed imminently.
Concurrently, Congressional lawmakers are advancing comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation. Atkins highlighted legislation’s significance because regulatory agency rules remain susceptible to reversal by subsequent administrations. Unlike statutory laws, agency regulations face greater vulnerability to future elimination.
The OIRA examination represents a routine phase within federal rulemaking procedures. Following completion, the framework will receive Federal Register publication and enter the public commentary period.
