The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission plans to release this month a new draft rule that sets standards for issuing and selling crypto assets and includes exemptions for some on-chain financial activity. The SEC says the move aims to reduce legal uncertainty for crypto businesses by establishing exceptions and a safe harbor. The draft would go through a public comment process. The plan comes as U.S. Congress debates broad crypto legislation, with the schedule uncertain ahead of November midterm elections.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Hester Peirce predicted that the Clarity Act, aimed at establishing a crypto regulatory framework, could pass this summer. The bill has cleared the House and awaits Senate action. Peirce said it would create federal oversight for the crypto spot market and divide authority between the SEC and the CFTC. SEC Chair Paul Atkins also signaled a pro-market reform agenda and a shift toward supporting digital-asset innovation under U.S. law.