SEC Crypto Innovation Exemption Could Arrive in Early October, Securitize President Says

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may roll out a long-anticipated crypto innovation exemption as soon as early October, according to Brett Redfearn, president of digital asset firm Securitize. Redfearn told The Block that the SEC had delayed announcing the exemption while it weighed a vote on the CLARITY Act, a legislative effort aimed at clarifying the regulatory status of digital assets.

Timing Linked to CLARITY Act Vote

Redfearn indicated that the SEC is likely to introduce the new rules after the Senate votes on the CLARITY Act, which is scheduled for September 15. The exemption, he said, could be announced in early October, aligning with the legislative calendar. The SEC has not publicly confirmed a specific timeline, and the exact scope of the exemption remains subject to change.

What the Exemption Could Mean for Digital Asset Firms

The anticipated exemption is expected to include a provision that would allow certain digital asset companies to operate without registering as brokers, exchanges, or other regulated entities for a set period. This would provide temporary relief for firms navigating the current regulatory uncertainty, potentially enabling innovation while the SEC and Congress work toward a more permanent framework.