The SEC launches ‘Project Crypto,’ an ambitious reform aiming to integrate on-chain technologies into financial markets and to end the repressive policy of the Gensler era.
A Historic Milestone for American Markets
The SEC makes a bold move. By announcing the launch of ‘Project Crypto’, its president Paul Atkins is not just modernizing some outdated rules: he is initiating a 180-degree turn towards integrating on-chain technologies into American financial markets.
The message is clear: the United States aims to reclaim its position as the number one playground for crypto companies, developers, and investors. To achieve this, the agency plans a complete overhaul of existing regulations.
Goal: Bringing Wall Street into the On-Chain Era
Most cryptocurrencies are not financial securities.
Paul Atkins, SEC President
No more endless debates on the legal nature of crypto assets.
A total reversal of the Gensler doctrine, which has long paralyzed the American ecosystem with repressive regulation.
Under the direct leadership of Donald Trump, who aims to make the United States the ‘crypto capital of the world,’ the SEC is stepping up. ‘Project Crypto’ is based on the President’s Working Group report and mobilizes all SEC departments to quickly propose:
- clear rules on the distribution, custody, and trading of crypto assets;
- guidelines to classify assets as utility tokens, stablecoins, or collectibles;
- customized exemptions for ICOs, airdrops, or on-chain rewards.
The objective: replace fear of repression with clear, stable, and pro-innovation rules.
Empowering Industry Players
Paul Atkins aims to undo the damage of past policies. He promises to bring back projects that fled the US due to ‘Operation Chokepoint 2.0,’ seen by many as an anti-crypto witch hunt.
Furthermore, the SEC is considering allowing the emergence of ‘super-apps’: platforms capable of offering trading in traditional assets, tokens, lending services, staking, and more under a single license.
A dream for centralized exchanges stifled so far by the maze of federal and state licenses.
Towards a Differentiated and Adaptive Regulation
One of the most significant announcements concerns developer regulation. In a tense context where coders like Roman Storm (Tornado Cash) or the creators of Samourai Wallet are facing legal actions, Atkins asserts his commitment to protect pure code creators.
He calls for a clear distinction between decentralized activities (open-source software) and services operated by intermediaries. This essential distinction to preserve on-chain innovation marks a departure from his predecessors’ punitive approach.
Reaffirming the Right to Self Custody
Another strong statement: Atkins fully supports self-custody, recognizing every American’s right to use a personal wallet to store assets and participate in staking or other decentralized protocols.
While acknowledging that some investors will continue relying on regulated institutions like brokers or fund managers, subject to enhanced requirements, the philosophy is clear: autonomy prevails.
A Proactive SEC While Awaiting Congress
As Congress struggles to produce a clear legislative framework, Atkins’ SEC takes the lead. It intends to utilize all available tools – interpretations, exemptions, or temporary regulations – to ensure that a lack of law does not hinder innovation.
This could accelerate the return of many companies from Dubai, Singapore, or Europe to the US.
A Political, Yet Strategic Bet
It remains to be seen if ‘Project Crypto’ will survive the 2026 election deadline. However, for now, Paul Atkins aims to usher in a new era: one in which the US leads rather than follows the blockchain revolution.
No more obstacles for those building the on-chain economy. We will pave their way.
An ambitious promise that could reposition America at the center of the global crypto game.
