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Crypto Legislation: CLARITY Act's (H.R. 3633)

Potential Effects on SEC Jurisdiction



July  10, 2025

The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 (CLARITY, H.R. 3633) passed the House Committees on
Financial Services and Agriculture on June 10, 2025. The bill aims to transform digital asset regulatory
landscape and redefine the regulatory roles at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the
Commodity  Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This Insight focuses on discussions of the SEC's
jurisdiction. For an overview of CLARITY, see CRS Insight IN12583, Crypto Legislation: An Overview
ofH.R. 3633, the CLARITYAct, by Paul Tierno.


SEC's Existing Regulatory Framework

The SEC  is the primary regulator overseeing digital and traditional security offerings, trading, and
investment activities. The current regulatory framework at the SEC is technology neutral, meaning
securities regulation generally applies to all securities whether they are digital or traditional. The SEC's
regulatory framework generally aligns with its mission to protect investors; maintain fair, orderly, and
efficient markets; and facilitate capital formation. For more details, see CRS Report R48521, Capital
Markets and Securities Regulation: Overview and Policy Issues, by Eva Su.
For digital assets that are securities, the SEC has both (1) regulatory authority, including over digital asset
securities, which include registration requirements, disclosure requirements, and market oversight; and
(2) enforcement authority that allows it to bring civil enforcement actions, such as anti-fraud and anti-
manipulation actions, for securities laws violations.
SEC  Chair Paul S. Atkins stated that the agency plans to develop new regulatory approaches for digital
assets. The SEC's Crypto Task Force, formed in January 2025, is leading this effort.


Legislative Context

Not all digital assets are legally classified as securities, and thus they may not fall under the securities
regulation regime. Digital assets may also be commodities under the Commodity Exchange Act (P.L. 74-
675). In such cases, they are subject to the jurisdiction of the CFTC, which generally extends to


                                                               Congressional Research Service
                                                                 https://crsreports.congress.gov
                                                                                    IN12584

CRS INSIGHT
Prepared for Members and
Committees of Congress