Daily · US Crypto and Investment Shift · August 21, 2026

New pathways for crypto offerings

The SEC has proposed a tailored offering regime specifically for issuers of investment contracts involving crypto assets. This proposal introduces two registration exemptions and a conditional "safe harbor"—a legal provision that protects certain assets from being classified as investment contracts. For business founders and issuers, this is a significant development as it potentially removes the heavy burden of standard securities registration for certain digital asset offerings. Our read: this suggests a pivot toward a specialized regulatory framework for crypto rather than relying on legacy securities laws.

Shifting oversight for funds and AI compute

The CFTC is moving to reduce regulatory overlap by proposing registration exemptions for certain Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) and raising the capital threshold for the Small Pool Exemption for Commodity Pool Operators (CPOs). These changes would lower the compliance barrier for smaller funds and advisors, potentially reducing operational costs and simplifying market entry.

Simultaneously, the CFTC has opened a consultation to better understand derivatives markets in compute. This means the regulator is seeking information on how to oversee financial contracts tied to computing power, likely reflecting the rise of AI infrastructure as a tradeable asset. Our read: the CFTC is proactively expanding its perimeter to capture the financialization of AI hardware and capacity.

Administrative updates were also published today regarding the LCH SA Liquidity Plan, Nasdaq ISE options fees, and MEMX LLC's operation of the TXSE Exchange.

This overview is informational, not legal or compliance advice. Consult your lawyer or compliance specialist on specific decisions.

Sources

This overview is based on official regulator publications for the period:

CH (2)

EU (1)

US (11)