Cecile Zahn NGHW

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially advanced its "SEC Crypto 2.0" initiative and called for the establishment of a Presidential Cryptocurrency Working Group, signaling a renewed push toward tighter oversight and structural reforms in the digital asset sector.According to documents cited by ChainCatcher, the SEC aims to align the trading of digital asset securities with traditional financial instruments by applying standardized transaction reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act.Key Highlights of the SEC’s Crypto 2.0 Proposal:Equal Reporting for Digital AssetsThe SEC will push to treat digital asset securities like traditional securities, requiring timely transaction reporting to improve transparency and protect investors.Stricter Oversight of Off-Chain TransactionsA major focus of Crypto 2.0 is on off-chain trade activities, such as those conducted over-the-counter (OTC) or through decentralized platforms, which the SEC considers high-risk and underregulated.Digital Asset Transaction Repository (DART)The agency has proposed a joint initiative with the CFTC to launch and oversee a Digital Asset Transaction Repository (DART). This centralized platform would serve as an authoritative source for all digital asset securities transactions, helping regulators monitor market activity more effectively.Market Structure & Investor Protection NormsThe framework will include updated norms for market structure, including potential amendments to the Securities Exchange Act, to address the fast-evolving digital asset space.Establishment of a Presidential Working GroupIn line with this initiative, the SEC supports the creation of a new Presidential Cryptocurrency Task Force, aimed at coordinating federal agencies, streamlining regulation, and reinforcing consumer protection in the crypto ecosystem. The task force would likely include representatives from the SEC, CFTC, Treasury, IRS, and other key departments.What It Means for the MarketIf fully implemented, Crypto 2.0 could mark a major regulatory shift, particularly for token projects categorized as securities, and for exchanges and protocols facilitating off-chain trades. The DART proposal suggests the U.S. is moving toward real-time digital asset surveillance, much like systems in traditional finance.Market participants should prepare for increased compliance obligations, especially around transaction disclosure and reporting.