The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving forward with new rules aimed at promoting the growth of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology in America. The agency’s newly appointed chair, Paul Atkins, has declared his support for President Trump’s plan to make the US the “crypto capital of the world.”
As part of this effort, the SEC will enact policy recommendations made by the White House working group on crypto assets. Key proposals include purpose-fit disclosures, exemptions, and safe harbors for initial coin offerings (ICOs), as well as other types of digital fundraising.
The news has sparked a mix of reactions from industry stakeholders. Some welcome the move as a long-overdue recognition of the potential benefits of ICOs, while others express caution about the risks associated with these fundraising methods.
ICOs have been a contentious issue in the past, dating back to 2017 when many projects raised money with little plan or know-how. However, some successful initiatives, such as Filecoin and Tezos, have demonstrated the potential for blockchain-based projects.
The SEC’s new rules are part of a broader strategy known as “Project Crypto,” aimed at guiding the development of digital financial technology. Atkins has described this initiative as the agency’s “north star” in supporting President Trump’s crypto agenda.
While some companies have already navigated the regulatory landscape to fully register their fundraising efforts, others continue to face challenges. Recent examples include Pump.fun’s successful ICO, which raised $600 million for its token, and Coinbase’s acquisition of Liquifi, a move seen as a step towards greater openness in digital fundraising.
Industry experts predict that updated securities rules could lead to increased access to capital formation for entrepreneurs beyond the 1% and improve productivity within the US blockchain market. As the SEC moves forward with these proposals, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how they shape the future of ICOs and digital fundraising.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/07/31/ico-initial-coin-offering-sec-atkins-trump-crypto