DEFINING ISSUES | APRIL 2025
The SEC clarified disclosure requirements for crypto securities offerings and registrations to ensure compliance.
The SEC Division of Corporation Finance has issued disclosure guidance to provide clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to crypto securities offerings and registrations. The guidance aims to promote transparency and protect investors while ensuring market integrity.
On April 10, 2025, the SEC鈥檚 Division of Corporation Finance released a statement providing clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to crypto assets. The statement aims to help issuers in the crypto asset markets comply with the disclosure requirements under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and ensure transparent and comprehensive disclosures to protect investors and promote market integrity.
The Division acknowledged that Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda established the Crypto Task Force to assist the Commission in creating a comprehensive and transparent regulatory framework for crypto assets. In the interim, the Division has issued this statement to share its perspectives while these deliberations are ongoing.
The statement provides guidance on disclosures required for offerings and registrations involving equity or debt securities related to crypto networks, applications and crypto assets (including those offered as part of or subject to an investment contract). While not an exhaustive list, the Division has provided the following guidance regarding the application of existing disclosure requirements to crypto securities offerings and registrations:聽
Description of Business
Issuers are required to provide a narrative description of the material aspects of their business. Disclosures should be clear, concise, understandable and tailored to the issuer鈥檚 specific business activities.聽
Disclosures involving crypto assets typically:
When developing or acquiring a network or application (or planning to), an issuer should describe the network or application鈥檚 purpose and operation -聽 including development timeline, milestones, costs/source of funds and status, technology details, transaction processes, products and services to be offered, roles, security measures and governance systems.
Risk Factors
Issuers must discuss material factors that make an investment speculative or risky. Disclosures will depend on the nature of the security, the issuer鈥檚 business and the specific characteristics of the security.
Disclosures involving crypto assets typically include:
Description of Securities
Issuers are required to provide a materially complete description of their securities. Specific disclosures will depend on the particular type of聽security, and such disclosures should help investors understand what the security represents.
Disclosures involving crypto assets typically include information about:
Directors, Executive Officers and Significant Employees
Disclosures must include information about management of the issuer.
聽Disclosures involving crypto assets typically include:
Financial Statements
Issuers must provide financial statements that comply with applicable SEC requirements. The Division鈥檚 Office of Chief Accountant can provide assistance on the form and content of financial statements and other financial information required to be included in Commission filings. The SEC鈥檚 Office of the Chief Accountant can provide assistance on accounting and financial reporting questions involving complex or unusual transactions.
Exhibits
Issuers are required to file any instruments defining the rights of security holders as exhibits. As it relates to offerings and registrations of securities in the crypto asset markets, this typically includes the smart contract code and network or application code (updated as necessary in response to subsequent changes in such code).
Contacting the Division
The Division welcomes questions and requests for assistance regarding the application of the SEC鈥檚 disclosure rules to offerings and registrations and ongoing reporting obligations.
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