SEC Crypto Rule Comments Close Oct 20 as Peirce Exits in Nov

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s most consequential crypto rulemaking in years is approaching a pivotal deadline: public comments on its proposed Regulation Crypto Assets close on October 20, just weeks before Commissioner Hester Peirce is scheduled to leave the agency.

The SEC formally proposed the 145-page framework on August 18 and published it in the Federal Register on August 21, triggering a 60-day comment period. The proposal, File No. S7-2026-27, attempts to create a securities-law framework specifically designed for crypto fundraising rather than forcing projects entirely into rules developed for conventional securities.

Its timing has become more significant after the Senate failed on September 15 to advance the CLARITY Act. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has repeatedly argued that congressional legislation is necessary to make U.S. crypto rules durable, but has said the agency will continue using its existing authority regardless.