The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking another step to clean up crypto rules. The agency has sent a new proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This proposal focuses on one big question. How should crypto assets be classified?
🚨JUST IN: US SEC SUBMITS CRYPTO PROPOSAL TO WHITE HOUSE OMB
The US SEC has sent a new interpretive proposal to the White House.
The move aims to reshape how crypto assets are classified. It introduces a clearer framework for digital assets.
The proposal is now under review… pic.twitter.com/liWZ5NpzGe
— BSCN (@BSCNews) March 24, 2026
The industry has been puzzled by that question for years. Companies, investors and even regulators didn’t manage to reach a decision on what defines security. The SEC is trying to bring some order to the chaos. If the OBM approves the proposal, it will simplify operations for US crypto companies. It may also boost market confidence.
A Shift Away From SEC’s Old Methods
Right now, the SEC often uses the Howey Test to decide if a crypto asset is a security. But that approach has not always worked well. Many projects say it creates uncertainty instead of clarity.
So, the new proposal takes a different route. Instead of relying only on old legal tests, it introduces a clearer system. Crypto assets would be grouped into categories. Such as digital commodities, collectibles, tools, stablecoins and securities.
What stands out is this: only a smaller group of tokens may fall under securities laws. That could reduce pressure on many projects that currently operate in a gray area. In simple terms, the SEC is trying to move from guesswork to a more defined rulebook.
Built on Recent SEC and CFTC Efforts
This proposal did not appear overnight. It builds on the SEC and CFTC‘s recent joint guidance. The earlier update hinted at a new direction. It suggested that big assets like Bitcoin and Ether are not securities. Rather, they are classified differently.
This new proposal now advances that concept. It aims to formalize those categories and make them part of a broader system. But the process is not done yet. The OMB will review the proposal before anything becomes official. This step ensures the changes are practical and balanced.
What This Could Mean for Crypto?
If approved, this move could be a big deal for the crypto industry. First, it could attract more institutional money. Large investors often wait for clear rules before entering a market. Second, it could give startups more confidence. Many crypto companies have faced legal risks simply because the rules were unclear. A defined system could help them grow without constant uncertainty.
While not everyone is fully convinced. Some critics worry that easing rules too much could increase risks for users. Others question how these categories will work in real-world cases. Still, the overall reaction leans positive. Many see this as a long overdue step toward clarity.
What Happens Next?
The White House OMB is now reviewing the proposal. There is no fixed timeline yet. But the direction is clear. The U.S. is slowly moving toward clearer crypto regulations. Furthermore, it’s about time. Because “figure it out as you go” was not exactly a solid policy. If this framework gets approved, it could shape the future of crypto in the country. Additionally, this time, the rules might actually make sense.