In a speech delivered at the America First Policy Institute, the new SEC Chairman, Paul Atkins, announced the launch of **Project Crypto**.

Its goal is to transform U.S. financial markets and adapt regulations to the new era of digital assets, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.

Here are the key points you should know about this initiative:

🔑 1. **Project Crypto will be the SEC’s new compass**

Atkins announced that Project Crypto will become the SEC’s “North Star” for digital asset regulation. This means a comprehensive modernization of rules for the crypto market.

🔑 2. **Goal: Make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world**

Following Donald Trump’s vision, the United States aims to become the global hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation—technologically, commercially, and legally.

🔑 3. **Regulations will support, not stifle, innovation**

In the past, the SEC hindered crypto growth through unclear rules. Atkins wants openness to innovation instead of fear.

🔑 4. **Change in the approach to the Howey Test**

Until now, most cryptocurrencies were treated by the SEC as securities. Atkins admits that most cryptos should **not** be considered securities and wants clear rules to define their status.

🔑 5. **An end to projects fleeing abroad**

Instead of setting up offshore foundations or using “decentralization theater,” crypto projects will be able to develop legally in the U.S.

🔑 6. **Return of projects to the U.S.**

Atkins announced initiatives to bring back crypto companies that previously moved overseas due to restrictive regulations.

🔑 7. **Clear rules for token issuance**

The SEC will create clear regulations for ICOs, airdrops, network rewards, and other forms of crypto distribution.

🔑 8. **Determining what counts as a security**

The SEC will develop clear guidelines and tests to help companies determine whether their tokens are securities or not.

🔑 9. **Legal tokenization of stocks**

Companies will be able to tokenize stocks, bonds, and other assets under the new rules.

🔑 10. **Rules encouraging token distribution in the U.S.**

So far, many projects excluded U.S. investors. Atkins’ goal is to make the U.S. attractive for token offerings with simple, friendly regulations.

🔑 11. **Custody – the right to hold your own assets**

Atkins defends the right of citizens to self-custody their crypto in private wallets.

🔑 12. **New approach to institutional crypto custody**

SEC rules for brokers, advisors, and institutions will be updated to account for digital assets.

🔑 13. **Creation of a “Super App” – one place for everything**

New rules aim to allow a single platform for token trading, stocks, staking, lending, and other services without multiple licenses.

🔑 14. **Non-security tokens also on SEC exchanges**

Atkins wants SEC-regulated exchanges to allow trading in both security and non-security tokens.

🔑 15. **Openness to CFTC-regulated platforms**

The new approach seeks more cooperation between the SEC and CFTC without requiring new laws from Congress.

🔑 16. **Support for on-chain decentralized systems**

The SEC wants to create a regulatory space for DeFi—systems run by code without a central operator.

🔑 17. **Protection for software developers (DeFi)**

Atkins pledged protection for those publishing decentralized code but not acting as intermediaries.

🔑 18. **Changes to existing rules like Reg NMS**

The SEC plans to amend rules such as Reg NMS to enable tokenization and on-chain trading.

🔑 19. **Introduction of “innovation exemptions”**

Temporary exemptions are planned for new business models that don’t fit current rules but want to operate legally.

🔑 20. **Tokens with built-in compliance (e.g., ERC-3643)**

New tokens will feature compliance mechanisms like whitelists and restrictions.

🔑 21. **Investor protection and innovation freedom**

Atkins emphasized balancing investor protection with innovation freedom.

🔑 22. **Collaboration with Congress and the administration**

The SEC will actively work with the Senate and other agencies to build a unified regulatory framework for crypto.

🔑 23. **Genius Act – the gold standard for stablecoins**

Atkins reminded that Trump signed the Genius Act, regulating stablecoins to make the U.S. a leader in digital payments.

🔑 24. **PWG Report as the action blueprint**

The President’s Working Group (PWG) report has been adopted as the roadmap for crypto market reforms.

CheckDot is SAFU.