The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has abandoned its appeal of a contentious dealer rule designed to classify digital asset operations as regulated securities dealers broadly.
A federal judge ruled that the SEC had exceeded its authority by potentially categorizing nearly any participant in buying and selling securities as a dealer.
This decision is part of a broader reset in the SEC's approach to digital assets under new leadership.
The agency’s move to drop the appeal, amid concerns that continued litigation could reduce Treasury market liquidity and increase taxpayer costs.
Additionally, the SEC recently sought to pause its enforcement actions against Binance, indicating its readiness to resolve disputes through alternative means.
Blockchain Association CEO welcomed the dismissal, expressing hope for more productive discussions between regulators and the crypto industry as the US embraces a friendlier regulatory framework for digital assets.
What’s next: With acting chairman Mark Uyeda overhauling senior staff and legal strategies, the SEC is shifting away from its historically adversarial stance, a policy long associated with former chairman Gary Gensler.
For builders and investors: The new approach encourages constructive conversations between regulators and industry players, potentially leading to clearer guidelines and a more predictable operating landscape for both builders and investors.