A Shift in Regulatory Tone at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium
At the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium in Jackson Hole, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins signaled a significant shift in how the agency views digital assets. Speaking on Tuesday, Atkins stated that in his view, “very few tokens are securities,” a marked departure from the stance taken under his predecessor.
The remarks came as part of the SEC’s Project Crypto, an initiative aimed at providing a framework for digital asset regulation. Atkins emphasized that the commission intends to take a more tailored approach, evaluating tokens within the context of how they are packaged, marketed, and sold.
Moving Away From the Gensler Doctrine
Under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the agency maintained that the “vast majority” of crypto tokens qualified as securities under the Howey test, making them subject to strict oversight. Gensler’s resignation earlier this year, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s inauguration, opened the door for a policy reset.
Atkins drew a clear distinction between his perspective and that of his predecessor, stating:
“We can not go about looking at tokens themselves as necessarily being a security, and probably not. There are very few, in my mind, tokens that are securities, but it depends on what’s the package around it and how that’s being sold.”
This approach suggests a more flexible interpretation of securities law, one that many in the crypto industry have long pushed for.
While Atkins has authority to guide SEC policy, the legislative branch is also preparing to weigh in. The US House of Representatives passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act in July, aimed at establishing clearer rules for the crypto industry. The Senate Banking Committee has signaled plans to refine and advance the bill when lawmakers return from recess on September 2.
Committee Chair Tim Scott, also speaking at the symposium, hinted at growing bipartisan momentum. He suggested that as many as 18 Democrats may support a market structure bill alongside Republicans this fall.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
Atkins’ comments are being closely watched by both institutional investors and blockchain developers. A regulatory framework that recognizes “very few tokens as securities” could reduce compliance burdens and open the door for broader adoption across US markets.
At the same time, the SEC’s Project Crypto remains in development, and market participants are awaiting details on how rules will be applied in practice. The balance between investor protection and innovation will likely remain a central theme in regulatory discussions.
The SEC’s evolving stance on digital assets marks one of the most important regulatory shifts for the crypto industry in years. By suggesting that only a small fraction of tokens meet the definition of securities, Chair Paul Atkins has set a new tone that could shape both market behavior and upcoming legislation.
With Congress preparing to finalize its own crypto market structure in the coming months, the path ahead will determine how the United States positions itself in the global digital economy.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. In accordance with GDPR/AVG and EU cookie regulations, data is processed only with your consent. We may share information about your use of our website with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners, and you can manage or withdraw your consent at any time. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookies list
Cookie name
Active
Privacy Policy
At BitxJournal.com, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, store, and protect personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and AVG (EU privacy legislation).
1. Data Controller
BitxJournal.com acts as the data controller for all personal data processed through this website.
2. Personal Data We Collect
We may collect and process the following categories of data:
Personal Data
Name and email address (when you subscribe to newsletters or contact us)
Technical & Usage Data
IP address, browser type, operating system
Device information
Pages visited, referral sources, and interaction data
This data is collected via cookies, log files, and analytics technologies.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal data only when a lawful basis exists, including:
Consent – when you explicitly agree (e.g., cookies, newsletter sign-up)
Legitimate interest – to operate, secure, and improve our website
Legal obligation – when required by applicable laws
You may withdraw your consent at any time.
4. Purpose of Data Processing
Your data is processed for the following purposes:
Operating and maintaining the website
Improving content, usability, and performance
Sending newsletters or updates (only with consent)
Analyzing traffic and user behavior
Responding to inquiries or support requests
5. Cookies & Consent Management
We use cookies and similar technologies in compliance with EU Cookie Law.
Non-essential cookies are placed only after explicit user consent
Users may accept, reject, or manage cookie preferences at any time
Consent can be withdrawn without affecting prior lawful processing
Detailed cookie information is available in our Cookie Settings panel.
6. Third-Party Data Processing
We may share limited data with trusted third-party service providers, including:
Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics)
Advertising partners (for personalized or non-personalized ads)
These third parties act as data processors and process data only under contractual obligations compliant with GDPR/AVG.
7. International Data Transfers
Where data is transferred outside the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or equivalent legal mechanisms.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
10. Your GDPR Rights
Under GDPR/AVG, you have the right to:
Access your personal data
Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
Request data erasure (“right to be forgotten”)
Restrict or object to processing
Data portability
Withdraw consent at any time
Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
For privacy-related inquiries or GDPR requests, contact:
