Some of the links on this site may be affiliate links. ICOBench may receive advertising commissions when users visit recommended platforms via our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on a comprehensive review process. 
As crypto assets gain influence in global financial markets, U.S. regulators and crypto exchanges are stepping up oversight of digital currencies and related investment practices.
The SEC unveils plans to revamp crypto regulations and ease Wall Street rules.
🔹 Tailored rules for digital assets
🔹 Potential for crypto trading on national exchanges
🔹 Shift from Biden-era crackdowns to Trump-friendly policies
🔹 Disclosure rules to be streamlined
Big win… pic.twitter.com/2kVaIyiCFp— FoxRunner (@FoxRunnerAlerts) September 4, 2025
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently released its latest policy agenda, making crypto regulation a core priority. The agenda outlines potential new rules governing the issuance, sale, and trading of cryptocurrencies, aiming to give the market clearer compliance guidance.
On the exchange side, Nasdaq is increasing scrutiny of listed companies that raise funds to purchase cryptocurrencies in hopes of boosting share prices. Going forward, companies will need shareholder approval before issuing new shares or accumulating tokens, signaling a stricter stance on corporate crypto strategies.
The “Buy Bitcoin, Boost Stock Price” Play Under Pressure
Over the past few years, more than 100 U.S. listed firms have raised over $130 billion to buy cryptocurrencies—most of them on Nasdaq. Many copied Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) in hoarding Bitcoin to lift their stock valuations. However, some companies have shifted to smaller, more volatile tokens, such as the World Liberty token backed by the Trump family, sparking concerns about market manipulation and retail investor risks.
A recent case is Heritage Distilling, which planned to use fundraising proceeds to buy tokens from Story Blockchain. Nasdaq intervened, requiring shareholder approval. To comply, the company altered its plan, replacing direct share issuance with prepaid warrants, with a special vote set for September 18. Legal experts note that several companies have already been forced to restructure similar deals—or risk cancellation.
Analysts say Nasdaq is trying to strike a delicate balance: continuing to attract crypto-linked stocks while fulfilling regulatory obligations to prevent excessive crypto exposure that could destabilize markets.
SEC Sets Roadmap for Crypto Oversight
The SEC’s policy agenda also places digital assets at the forefront of its regulatory strategy. SEC Chair Paul Atkins called it a “new era” for crypto regulation, emphasizing the need to establish rules for issuance, custody, and trading, while cracking down on violations.
According to the agenda, the SEC plans to release its first set of crypto-related rules by April next year. These may cover issuance, sales, exemptions, and safe-harbor provisions, while amending the Securities Exchange Act to allow crypto assets to be listed on alternative trading systems (ATS) and national exchanges.
While experts caution that federal agendas often serve as broad roadmaps rather than guarantees, the move underscores that digital assets are now a top regulatory priority in Washington.
With the combined pressure from SEC oversight and Nasdaq tightening, the once-booming trend of “crypto concept stocks” may be facing a significant cooling-off period.
