SEC Pushes Reshoring Crypto Firms as U.S. Regs Ease

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is actively pushing to reverse the trend of cryptocurrency firms relocating overseas, led by SEC Chair Paul Atkins. Dubbed “reshoring,” the initiative aims to bring back crypto businesses that had moved due to a previous regulatory environment perceived as overly aggressive. The effort aligns with the Trump administration’s broader economic strategy to reassert American leadership in the digital finance sector [1].

A key component of the initiative is “Project Crypto,” a comprehensive effort to modernize securities rules for digital assets. Atkins has emphasized that the project seeks to bring U.S. financial markets into the blockchain era, enhancing efficiency and transparency. This initiative aims to create a more predictable regulatory environment, potentially encouraging innovation and investment in the crypto sector [2].

Atkins has also clarified that “most crypto assets are not securities,” a stance that could significantly reduce regulatory burdens on digital asset projects. This clarification is expected to ease the operational challenges for crypto startups and firms within the U.S. legal framework [3].

The industry has responded positively to these developments. Project Crypto is viewed as a step toward a more structured and supportive regulatory environment. Notable industry figures, including Tim Draper, have praised the move, suggesting that the U.S. is on track to regain its status as a global hub for digital finance [4].

The reshoring effort extends beyond regulatory reform. It is part of a broader economic and political strategy to reposition the U.S. as a leader in the digital asset economy. By reducing regulatory ambiguity and fostering innovation, the SEC hopes to attract crypto businesses back to the U.S. This aligns with the Trump administration’s vision of a “golden age of digital assets,” which Atkins is shaping through concrete regulatory changes [5].

Early signs indicate that the strategy is gaining traction. Several global crypto firms, including Nexo, Deribit, Wintermute, and OKX, are expanding their presence in the U.S. or returning after years of absence. Additionally, U.S.-based firms like Kraken and MoonPay are increasing their domestic footprint, reflecting a shift in the industry landscape [1].

The success of the reshoring initiative will depend on the effective implementation of these reforms and the market’s response to a more accommodating regulatory environment. If the strategy continues to gain momentum, it could lead to a significant return of capital and talent to the U.S. crypto sector, potentially reshaping the global digital finance landscape [6].

Source: [1] SEC Chair Aktins calls to 'reshore crypto' as companies ... (https://cointelegraph.com/news/sec-chairman-atkins-reshore-crypto-companies-back-to-the-us)

[2] American Leadership in the Digital Finance Revolution (https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-digital-finance-revolution-073125)

[3] SEC's Atkins: 'Most Crypto Assets Are Not Securities' Under ... (https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/07/31/u-s-sec-chairman-atkins-says-agency-pursuing-project-crypto-to-elevate-industry)

[4] Tim Draper Applauds SEC's Project Crypto—His All ... (https://news.bitcoin.com/tim-draper-applauds-secs-project-crypto-his-all-bitcoin-vision-nears-reality/)

[5] SEC's Paul Atkins “Most Crypto Isn't a Security” (https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/secs-paul-atkins-most-crypto-isnt-a-security)

[6] Industry Cheers SEC's 'Project Crypto' as Regulatory ... (https://www.cryptoinamerica.com/p/industry-cheers-secs-project-crypto)