Nine regulatory initiatives under SEC’s “Project Crypto” aim to redefine crypto market rules
By 
Aly McDevitt2025-08-13T18:00:00
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins recently unveiled the launch of a sweeping regulatory modernization plan—“Project Crypto”—aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s vision of making America the “crypto capital of the world.” The initiative marks a significant shift from the SEC’s previous enforcement-driven approach toward one that encourages innovation within a fit-for-purpose market-structure framework.
Speaking at the America First Policy Institute at The Willard Center on July 31, Atkins characterized Project Crypto as “the SEC’s north star” to bring cryptocurrency innovation back to U.S. shores and to enable American financial markets to move on-chain. The project will follow recommendations set forth by the President’s Working Group (PWG) on Digital Asset Markets, which released its report July 30. Members of the orking group include Special Advisor on AI and Crypto David Sacks, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Acting Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Caroline Pham, and more.
“This [PWG] report is the blueprint to make America first in blockchain and crypto technology. The President … wants ‘the entire world running on the backbone of American technology.’ I stand ready to help get that job done,” the Chairman announced to a crowd of policymakers, crypto pioneers, and so-called financial freedom advocates.
Atkins’ address outlined as many as nine Commission-wide initiatives to revamp the SEC’s rulebook for the digital finance era.
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