The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has released new guidance aimed at giving crypto firms a clearer path on stablecoins and asset custody. The update explains how issuers and custodians can structure products to reduce the risk of being treated as securities under federal law.

The move is part of a broader effort by the agency to add regulatory certainty to a fast-changing corner of the digital asset market. Companies have long argued that unclear rules have slowed product launches and complicated compliance, while regulators have pressed for stronger investor protections.

Stablecoins, which are designed to hold steady value and are widely used for trading and payments, have become a major focus for policymakers as their role in the financial system expands. Custody rules are also central to the industry, since firms handling customer assets face close scrutiny over security, disclosures, and internal controls.

The SEC’s latest guidance does not end the debate over crypto oversight, but it signals a continued shift toward more detailed rulemaking. For firms operating in the sector, the clarification may help reduce uncertainty, though legal questions around token design and custody practices are likely to remain.