

The CFTC has formed a 35-member Innovation Advisory Committee to advise on how emerging technologies interact with derivatives markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is advocating for the Clarity Act to stabilize cryptocurrency regulations. The UK’s FCA is pushing to block access to HTX for unauthorized promotions, while the CFTC asserts its jurisdiction over prediction markets.…

On August 5, 2025, the SEC clarified that specific liquid staking activities may not constitute securities if providers adhere strictly to defined administrative roles. Staking Receipt Tokens serve as ownership evidence, not investment contracts. Non-compliance with assumptions could incur legal risks, especially in models involving discretion or guarantees.

The SEC’s staff statements from May and August 2025 clarify that certain protocol staking activities on PoS blockchains may not be classified as securities. However, the guidance is limited, specifically excluding staking arrangements with active third-party involvement or yield generation. DAO governance staking remains unaddressed, requiring careful legal analysis for compliance.

The SEC has intensified scrutiny on crypto staking, arguing that certain programs may be unregistered securities. A recent lawsuit against Coinbase indicates a focus on how staking services are marketed rather than the staking itself. This regulatory shift complicates compliance for both centralized and decentralized providers as firms reassess their strategies amid evolving legal standards.