Chairman Paul Atkins Just Threw a Grenade at the SEC’s Grip on ICOs 💣 #ICO
Former SEC Chair Paul Atkins says a huge chunk of crypto ICOs shouldn’t even be under SEC control.
Speaking at the Blockchain Association’s policy summit, he pushed a new framework that splits tokens into four categories — and argued that three of them:
• Network tokens
• Digital collectibles
• Digital tools
…are not securities and should be overseen by the CFTC, not the SEC.
Only tokenized securities – those tied to traditional regulated assets – would stay under SEC jurisdiction.
This comes right as the SEC pauses reviews of high-leverage crypto ETF applications over “investor risk”.
Atkins’ stance could reopen the door for ICO-style fundraising, echoing the 2017 boom – especially with big players like Coinbase rolling out token issuance platforms.
Under his model, most tokens would escape SEC control, clearing the runway for a new wave of ICOs if policymakers follow his lead.
If regulators actually pivot this way… are you ready for what an ICO 2.0 cycle could look like? 🚀
