U.S SEC issues first-ever definitions for what crypto assets are securities

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under Chairman Paul Atkins, issued informal interpretive guidance, in partnership with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), to clarify how crypto assets are classified under federal securities laws. This guidance, promised by the new leadership, aims to end a decade of uncertainty. The key stance taken is that "Most crypto assets are not themselves securities." The SEC created four categories of tokens, clarifying that only "digital securities," which are traditional securities using new technology, remain subject to securities laws. The guidance also seeks to define digital commodities, collectibles, tools, and stablecoins, and clarifies rules for airdrops, protocol mining, and staking. Chairman Atkins noted that permanent policy shifts would ultimately require legislation from Congress.

(Source：CoinDesk)