The GCC is emerging as a regional leader in digital debt securities, with landmark digitally native bond and sukuk issuances reshaping how capital is raised and settled. As regulatory frameworks evolve and infrastructure matures, market participants should consider how digital issuance mechanics may fit within their existing programmes.
Continue Reading The Rise of Digital Debt Securities in the Middle East
On March 17, 2026, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued an interpretive release addressing the application of the federal securities laws to crypto assets and related transactions. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission joined the interpretation and indicated it will administer the Commodity Exchange Act consistent with the SEC’s approach, reflecting a coordinated regulatory position across the two agencies.
Continue Reading SEC Clarifies Status of Crypto Assets Under Federal Securities Laws, Signals Potential Exemptive and Safe Harbor Framework
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued a joint statement on Jan. 28, 2026, providing greater clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to the category of crypto assets commonly referred to as tokenized securities.
Continue Reading SEC Issues Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On Sept. 8, 2025, the Nasdaq Stock Market filed a proposed rule change with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to enable the trading of tokenized equity securities and exchange-traded products on its platform. The proposal, published for public comment, represents a significant step toward integrating blockchain-based assets into the existing U.S. equities market infrastructure.
Continue Reading Nasdaq Proposes Rule Changes to Enable Trading of Tokenized Securities
On July 14, 2025, U.S. banking regulators issued a joint statement clarifying risk management and legal expectations for banks handling crypto-asset safekeeping. While not introducing new rules, the guidance marks a shift to principles-based oversight, urging banks to independently assess and mitigate crypto-related risks in line with established safety and soundness standards.
On July 18, 2025, President Trump enacted the GENIUS Act, the first comprehensive crypto legislation in U.S. history. The law introduces rigorous rules for payment stablecoins, including mandatory federal or state approval, 1:1 reserve backing, and enhanced disclosure obligations. Digital asset service providers must fully comply by July 2028.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board) has withdrawn supervisory guidance for Board-supervised banks concerning crypto-asset and dollar token activities and Board expectations for these activities. The Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) also withdrew joint supervisory statements on crypto-asset activities and exposures.
In late April, at the government’s request, an Indiana federal judge put a final end to the prosecution of an Indiana man for allegations that he engaged in unlicensed money transmission (and related tax offenses) in connection with his operation of a virtual currency exchange from 2009 to 2013.
Continue Reading Charges Dropped Against Early Cryptocurrency Exchange Operator
![Bitcoin-gold-coins-with-wallet-close-up-Virtual-cryptocurrency-concept[1]](https://www.gtlaw-overheardontheblockchain.com/files/2022/02/Bitcoin-gold-coins-with-wallet-close-up-Virtual-cryptocurrency-concept1.jpg)
On April 7, 2025, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memorandum titled “Ending Regulation by Prosecution” (Blanche Memo), outlining a new Department of Justice approach to digital asset enforcement.
Continue Reading Justice Department Issues Memorandum Realigning DOJ’s Crypto Enforcement Efforts
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) on April 4, 2025, issued its formal notice of rulemaking for digital financial business regulation, following receipt of two sets of 2024 comments on its draft proposed rules for California’s “Digital Finance Assets Law” (DFAL) (AB 39 and SB 401, 2023).
Continue Reading California DFPI Issues Formal Rulemaking for Digital Financial Asset Regulation