In July 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released an official statement regarding tokenized securities. The statement highlights the necessity of regulatory compliance, regardless of whether assets are tokens or traditional securities.
Blockchain's Role in Tokenization
The SEC acknowledges that blockchain technology opens new possibilities for issuing and trading securities through tokenization. "Tokenization has the potential to facilitate capital formation and enhance investors’ ability to use their assets as collateral." This indicates that the SEC does not deny the financial utility of on-chain systems.
Disclosure Obligations
The SEC further stresses that issuers of tokenized securities must consider their disclosure obligations under federal securities laws. It asserts that the form of tokens does not exempt them from basic disclosure and transparency requirements.
Regulatory Landscape of Tokenized Assets
The SEC noted that there are unique risks associated with third parties holding securities and issuing tokens against them. Projects like tokenized stocks and bonds must carefully re-evaluate their compliance approaches to avoid legal repercussions.
The SEC's statement may seem understated, but it clearly demonstrates that tokenized assets must adhere to regulatory norms. This is a call for developers to adapt to new requirements, thereby paving the way for further advancement in the crypto industry.