The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aims to roll out a major update to its Cryptocurrency Policy Framework for 2025 to provide more clarity on how digital assets are categorized and regulated. For blockchain startups, this much-anticipated update provides a more structured path for compliance. This can affect everything from funding strategies to platform design choices.
The main component of SEC updates is the sophisticated classification process of digital assets. Tokens such as meme coins, which exist purely to promote transactions or provide platform access, are likely to be treated as non-security, and projects that sell tokens as speculative investment opportunities, particularly those with the right to profit sharing, staking compensation, or governance are under more stringent securities surveillance. This clarification is particularly relevant to sectors such as Decentralized Finance (DEFI), blockchain games, and online casinos that accept cryptocurrency payments.
What does Igame startup mean?
One area where SEC’s updated crypto policy is expected to have an immediate impact is the Igaming sector, especially for online casinos that accept crypto. Platforms like Golden Panda Casino, for example, are at the forefront of using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to provide players with instant deposits, faster withdrawals and increased transparency in gaming equity.
The new rules in the SEC distinguish between platforms that accept Crypto simply as a payment method and platforms that build business models for issuing or promoting their own tokens. This distinction is extremely important for startups in IGAMING space.
The ability to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum or Stubcoin for player deposits and withdrawals is that the updated rules do not automatically impose the platform on securities regulations, not as speculative assets linked to casino financial performance, where these cryptocurrencies are used purely for transactions.
This clarity offers several breathing chambers for us. By dealing with cryptocurrency payments like credit card transactions and e-wallet deposits, the SEC has created a regulatory environment where the Igaming platform can continue to adopt blockchain technology without fear of being misclassified as a securities issuer.
Impact on fundraising and token sales
For crypto and blockchain startups, the updated SEC policy also provides clearer rules for token sales and pay raises in capital. Although initial coin offerings (ICOs) remain extremely limited, especially when sold to US investors, existing SEC exemptions such as Regulation A+ and Regulation CFs are still available in this policy update. This means that startups need to design their token products to fit into these frameworks.
Under the updated rules, blockchain startups can provide tokens to retail investors as long as these tokens serve clear functional objectives within the project’s ecosystem. Tokens, primarily designed for speculation and profit sharing, are still falling straight under the securities law. The framework will make startups pursuing utility-driven projects a clearer compliance roadmap, discouraging the typical speculative token model during the 2017 ICO boom.
The SEC also shows that it will work closer together with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to address cases in which digital assets act as both securities and commodities. This collaboration approach could provide additional flexibility for startups working on hybrid projects, such as a platform that combines decentralized finance with real-world assets in tokenization.
Shifting to global regulatory alignment
While the SEC’s 2025 update will provide more certainty than the US market, many blockchain startups continue to compare the benefits of offshore establishment. Jurisdictions such as Switzerland, Singapore and the Cayman Islands provide a more flexible regulatory environment, allowing startups to experiment with token models and innovative financial products with less deficits.
For US-based founders, this presents a strategic choice. Prioritize access to deep American capital markets by following stricter SEC rules or pursuing a global market with more innovative but potentially risky products.
Changes in secondary market and exchanges
The updated SEC framework also lists new requirements in secondary markets, including centralized and decentralized exchanges (DEX). Platforms that list tokens for transactions must implement more thorough due diligence to ensure that listed assets are in compliance with US securities laws.
This higher exchange list means startups need to invest more in legal reviews, transparency initiatives and investor communications before the tokens gain liquidity on major trading platforms. This slightly raises the barrier to entry, but also helps to eliminate low-quality projects and improve investor protection.
A new era of blockchain startups
Overall, the SEC’s 2025 Crypto policy update creates a more structured regulatory environment for blockchain startups. Companies that prioritize transparency, clear token utilities and investor protection will have easy access to both US investors and reputable trading platforms.
At the same time, startups that thrive with regulatory flexibility and rapid innovation may still prefer overseas jurisdictions. The tension between innovation and regulation – the characteristics of the crypto sector for over a decade – will continue to shape the strategy and success of blockchain startups since 2025.
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