SEC Chairman Paul Atkins released a July 7 statement on the 2026 Regulatory Agenda, placing crypto custody, tokenized securities trading, IPO reforms, and private market access at the center of the agency's rulemaking priorities. Atkins, who was sworn in on April 21, 2025, as the SEC's 34th chairman, framed the agenda around protecting investors, facilitating capital formation, and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets. The statement emphasizes creating clear rules for capital raising with crypto assets and providing clarity on how market participants can custody and facilitate trading of tokenized securities onchain.
SEC Clarifies Crypto Custody and Tokenized Securities Rules
Crypto policy forms one of the agenda's central priorities. The agenda aims to clarify rules for crypto assets, tokenized securities, and related market infrastructure. Atkins stated the SEC is "embracing innovation to bring more products onshore, creating clear rules of the road for capital raising with crypto assets, and providing clarity as to how market participants can custody and facilitate trading of tokenized securities onchain." The effort aligns with President Trump's stated goal of making the United States the crypto capital of the world. The agenda also says investor protection guardrails will remain in place while the SEC continues pursuing securities law violations.
IPO Reforms Target Public Company Decline Reversal
The agenda targets public companies and capital formation. Atkins said he has focused on reversing the decline of public companies and revitalizing public markets to "Make IPOs Great Again." Proposed disclosure reforms aim to reduce compliance burdens while preserving investor protections. The statement does not specify implementation timelines or detailed rule changes.
Private Market Access Expansion Plans Include Retail Safeguards
Private markets form the agenda's third pillar. Atkins said exposure to public and private markets should not be reserved for wealthy insiders. The SEC agenda includes a proposal to expand retail investor participation in private markets while preserving appropriate safeguards. Atkins stated: "We will ensure that the next chapter of financial leadership is written in the U.S., and that our capital markets continue to lead the world -- in their depth, their dynamism, and their unrivaled ability to transform ingenuity into prosperity." The agenda sets priorities, not final rules. Its impact will depend on the Commission's specific proposals, implementation details, and safeguards for issuers, investors, and market participants.
FAQ
What did SEC Chairman Atkins announce on July 7?
SEC Chairman Paul Atkins released a statement on the 2026 Regulatory Agenda on July 7, placing crypto custody, tokenized securities trading, IPO reforms, and private market access at the center of the agency's rulemaking priorities.
What are the SEC's crypto policy priorities in the 2026 agenda?
The agenda aims to clarify rules for crypto assets, tokenized securities, and related market infrastructure. Atkins stated the SEC is creating clear rules for capital raising with crypto assets and providing clarity on how market participants can custody and facilitate trading of tokenized securities onchain.
What IPO reforms does the SEC agenda propose?
The agenda includes proposed disclosure reforms aimed at reducing compliance burdens while preserving investor protections. Atkins said he has focused on reversing the decline of public companies and revitalizing public markets.
