SEC Chair Plans 2026 Crypto Rules with Innovation Exemption Soon

December 3, 2025

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins, has said the agency has the authority to advance digital asset regulations without Congress, and plans to introduce a crypto innovation exemption.

Key Points

  • SEC Chair Paul Atkins asserts the agency has authority to set crypto rules without Congress, planning to introduce comprehensive regulations by 2026, aiming for sector clarity.
  • Atkins anticipates releasing a crypto innovation exemption within the next month, signaling a shift towards fostering development rather than solely enforcement, aligning with White House directives.
  • Clearer SEC regulations and the innovation exemption could significantly reduce regulatory uncertainty for tokens like SHIB, boosting investor confidence, fostering development, and expanding utility use cases.

In a CNBC interview, Atkins said the SEC is offering “technical assistance” while Congress reviews digital asset legislation, adding that despite disruptions from the U.S. government shutdown, the agency is making progress on rules aimed at supporting the crypto sector.

“We have enough authority to drive forward,” Atkins stated. The SEC Chair also expressed anticipation for the long-discussed innovation exemption, noting that the agency expects to release it within the next month.

Since his appointment in April, Atkins has moved to scale back enforcement actions targeting crypto firms, notably issuing no-action letters for decentralized physical infrastructure networks. These measures align with several White House policy directives under President Donald Trump, who has signed multiple executive orders impacting the crypto and blockchain sectors.

Related: Hong Kong Proposes Rules Allowing Insurers to Invest in Crypto

Innovation Exemption and SHIB’s Market Potential

For Shiba Inu holders, clearer regulations and potential innovation exemptions from the SEC could create a more favorable environment for adoption and long-term growth. If the SEC implements an innovation exemption for crypto projects, SHIB and other tokens could benefit from reduced regulatory uncertainty, allowing developers to experiment with new products, decentralized finance (DeFi) integrations, and utility use cases without the constant fear of enforcement actions.

Reduced enforcement pressure also signals a more stable and predictable regulatory landscape, which can boost investor confidence. For SHIB holders, this could mean a stronger perception of legitimacy, attracting institutional and retail participants alike. Confidence in regulatory clarity may also encourage developers to build more applications on Shiba Inu’s ecosystem, from non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces to token staking and community-driven projects, expanding the token’s utility beyond speculative trading.

Related: US Lawmakers Propose Tax Breaks for Small Stablecoin Payments and Staking

Additionally, consistent guidance from regulators can help streamline listing processes on exchanges, improve compliance frameworks for Shib-based projects, and reduce the risk of sudden market shocks tied to legal uncertainties. Overall, a clearer regulatory framework paired with potential innovation exemptions could make SHIB more appealing as both a community-driven token and a practical digital asset, supporting adoption, liquidity, and the ecosystem’s evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that the agency has the authority to advance digital asset regulations without Congress and plans to introduce new rules by 2026, including a crypto innovation exemption expected to be released soon.
The exemption is designed to reduce regulatory uncertainty for crypto projects, allowing developers to experiment with new products, decentralized finance (DeFi) integrations, and other use cases without the constant fear of enforcement actions.
Clearer regulations and an innovation exemption could boost investor confidence, encourage developers to build more applications within the SHIB ecosystem, and increase the token's legitimacy, potentially leading to greater adoption and long-term growth.
MICHAELA

MICHAELA

Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.


Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Daily is the official publication of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.