The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a statement clarifying its interpretation of interfaces for cryptocurrency transactions under broker-dealer regulations.
NEW šØ: As part of Project Crypto, the Division of Trading and Markets issued a staff statement providing its views on broker-dealer registration requirements in connection with certain interfaces used to prepare transactions in crypto asset securities.https://t.co/8jCwFOJZcw pic.twitter.com/gmp7jbBhgV
ā U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (@SECGov) April 13, 2026
Officials from the Trading and Markets Division indicated that solutions for transactions via self-custodial wallets may be exempt from registration under certain conditions.
The primary condition is that they must not encourage investors to engage in specific transactions involving crypto asset securities. Additionally, they should refrain from commenting on transaction execution methods and comply with other SEC standards.
This clarification does not constitute an official regulatory rule, which would require public discussion. However, the authors noted it "provides greater clarity in the application of laws."
Commissioner Hester Peirce supported the initiative but emphasized her preference for a "more sustainable regulatory approach" that revisits the definition of a broker in light of current market conditions.
New SEC staff statement on interfaces: https://t.co/9PnfmDrtFn
ā Hester Peirce (@HesterPeirce) April 13, 2026
And why we need rulemaking (so sharpen your pencils to weigh in): https://t.co/KcqpxIln1P
"Cryptocurrencies force the Commission to grapple with internal demons that have pushed it toward an increasingly broad interpretation of securities laws," added the "crypto mom."
The SEC's latest clarification has been deemed "one of the most significant" in its history by the community.
Over the past year, the regulator has released several similar guidelines. In one instance, the agency excluded meme coins and most stablecoins from the category of securities.
Recall that in late December 2025, the SEC released an investment bulletin focused on cryptocurrency wallets and the storage of digital assets.