Detailed Explanation of SEC Chairman's Cryptocurrency Asset Classification: NFTs, Utility Tokens, and Digital Tools Are Not Securities

By: theblockbeats.news|2025/11/12 17:15:53

BlockBeats News, November 13th, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins today elaborated on his cryptographic "Token Classification Framework" plan to clearly distinguish which cryptocurrencies are considered securities. In the SEC's press release, Paul Atkins mentioned his current views on various types of crypto assets, summarized as Atkins only emphasizing tokenized products as securities, with non-fungible tokens (NFTs), network tokens (ETH, SOL), and "functioning" "digital tools" (such as identity verification) not being considered securities. His views are detailed as follows:

"Digital Commodities" or "Network Tokens" are not securities. Their value is fundamentally related to the programmatic operation of a "fully functional" and "decentralized" cryptographic system and arises from it, rather than from the expected profits of others' key managerial efforts;

"Digital Collectibles" are not securities. These assets are intended for collecting and/or use by individuals, may represent or confer rights to digital expressions or references to art, music, videos, trading cards, in-game items, or internet memes, personalities, current events, or trends. Buyers of digital collectibles do not expect to profit from the daily managerial efforts of others;

"Digital Tools" are not securities. These crypto assets have practical functions, such as memberships, tickets, certificates, ownership proofs, or identity badges, and buyers of digital tools do not expect to profit from the daily managerial efforts of others;

"Tokenized Securities" are currently and will continue to be securities. These crypto assets represent ownership of financial instruments listed in the "securities" definition, which are maintained on a cryptographic network.

Paul Atkins stated that this list is not exhaustive and will be further refined in the future.

Imagine checking Bitcoin and Ethereum prices in a day — one minute up 5%, the next down 4%. Sharp moves, quick reversals, and sensitivity to macro signals marked the first week of 2026. After an early-year rally, both assets pulled back as markets recalibrated expectations around U.S. monetary policy and institutional flows. For traders — including those relying on AI or automated systems — this period offered a vivid reminder: abundant signals do not guarantee clarity. Staying disciplined in execution is often the real challenge.

America's First State-Backed Stablecoin FRNT: Can It Save Wyoming Amid Energy Slump?

Can this influx of digital income into "Cowboy State" really mend the rifts in this land?

Vietnam Sets Mid-January Timeline for Pilot Crypto Exchange Approvals

Key Takeaways Vietnam aims to regulate its growing cryptocurrency market by licensing pilot digital asset exchanges under a…

Former Brazil Central Bank Official Introduces Real-Pegged Stablecoin Offering Yield Sharing

Key Takeaways BRD, a newly unveiled stablecoin by Tony Volpon, a former director of the Central Bank of…

Barclays Invests in Stablecoin Settlement Firm as Tokenized Infrastructure Expands

Key Takeaways Barclays has invested in Ubyx, a U.S.-based startup focused on developing clearing systems for tokenized forms…

Lloyds Bank Achieves a Milestone: UK’s First Gilt Purchase via Tokenized Deposits

Key Takeaways Lloyds Bank executed the first-ever UK government gilt purchase through tokenized deposits, highlighting a transformative use…

Stores of Value: Gold and Silver Once Again Lead Global Asset Charts

Key Takeaways: Gold and silver have retaken their positions as the top assets by market capitalization, highlighting their…

Stop obsessing over Alpha, the Beta the market gives you is more important

Investors should let go of the obsession with 'beating the market,' accept the fact that market fluctuations are uncontrollable, and redirect their focus to optimizing personal career, savings rate, health, and family relationships - areas that are more controllable and have higher long-term value.

IOSG: The Game of No Winner, How Can the Shitcoin Market Break the Deadlock?

The fundamental problem the meme coin market is facing right now: An overwhelming supply hitting the market, but with scarce demand.

Polygon Ecosystem Token is Projected to Drop to $ 0.091448 by Jan 09, 2026

Key Takeaways The Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL) is expected to decrease by 23.29% within the next five days,…

Seven Chinese Financial Associations Declare RWA Tokenization Illegal

Key Takeaways Seven major Chinese financial associations have declared Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization illegal, reflecting its categorization as…

Ledger Faces Yet Another Data Breach — Customer Information at Risk

Key Takeaways Ledger, the prominent hardware wallet manufacturer, has experienced another data breach via its payment processor, Global-e,…

If you are long on oil, Maduro's arrest is not good news

Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves, with its conventional oil quality rivaling that of Saudi Arabia.

Key Market Information Discrepancy on January 6th - A Must-See! | Alpha Morning Report

1. Top News: LIT Surges Above $3, Up 15.16% in 24 Hours 2. Token Unlock: $RED

2025 Crypto Violence Retrospective: Increasing Assaults and Fatal Incidents in a Growing Market

Key Takeaways Violent incidents involving cryptocurrency holders have escalated, with 2025 documenting 65 attacks, including 4 fatalities. The…

Court Sentences Criminal in Virtual Currency Fraud Case with Major Global Implications

Key Takeaways A landmark case in Beijing reveals a significant cross-border telecom and internet fraud scheme involving virtual…

Dissecting Polymarket’s Top 10 Whales’ 27,000 Transactions: The Smart Money Mirage and the Law of Survival

Key Takeaways Prediction markets have gained popularity, with smart money’s arbitrage strategies being particularly notable. A detailed analysis…