SEC chair Paul Atkins signals rule changes for onchain markets and AI-driven finance

SEC Chair Paul Atkins announced that the agency is considering new regulations for blockchain-based financial markets and AI-powered financial applications. These changes aim to address how existing securities regulations apply to onchain trading systems, settlement infrastructure, and automated financial applications, which often combine functions traditionally handled by separate intermediaries like brokers and clearinghouses. Atkins emphasized that current onchain market structures are often hybrid, blending elements of traditional and decentralized finance, and that the SEC needs to clarify its stance through notice and comment rulemaking. This signals a shift from an enforcement-heavy approach towards providing clearer guidance for digital asset firms. The SEC also aims to avoid applying outdated rules to emerging technologies and supports congressional efforts for crypto market structure legislation, such as the CLARITY Act, which would establish a shared regulatory framework with the CFTC.

(Source：CoinDesk)