Cboe Pushes Dow Options to Afternoon Settlement—SEC Takes Extra Nap

2026-17183, Regulation Crypto Assets

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission") is proposing new rules to create a tailored offering regime for certain investment contracts involving crypto assets. The proposed offering regime is intended to facilitate capital formation and accommodate innovation within the crypto asset markets while, at the same time, ensuring that investors are adequately protected and provided with the information they need to make informed investment decisions. The proposed rules would be set forth in a new regulation titled "Regulation Crypto Assets" and would include two exemptions from the registration requirements of section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933. The first exemption would permit offerings of up to $5 million during a four-year period. The second exemption would permit offerings of up to $75 million during each 12-month period. Under both exemptions, issuers would be required to make certain principles-based narrative disclosures available to their investors. In addition, issuers under the second exemption would be required to provide financial statements and would be subject to ongoing reporting requirements. Issuers that rely on these exemptions would remain subject to the antifraud and antimanipulation provisions of the Federal securities laws. The proposed rules also would include a conditional safe harbor from the term "investment contract" in the definitions of "security" in the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If the conditions of that proposed safe harbor are satisfied, then a crypto asset would be deemed not to be subject to an investment contract for purposes of those definitions of "security."

2026-12163, The Trade-Through Rule and Locked and Crossed Markets Provisions of Regulation NMS

The SEC wants to scrap some old rules that stop stocks from being traded at worse prices and prevent confusing market quotes. This change affects stock traders and exchanges, aiming to simplify trading and possibly speed things up. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until August 17, 2026, so don’t miss out!

2026-10373, Registered Offering Reform

The SEC wants to make it easier and cheaper for more companies to sell their stocks and bonds to the public. They’re opening up special forms and benefits to more businesses, updating rules to be more modern, and cutting red tape by overriding some state rules. If you’re a company planning to raise money, these changes could speed things up and save you money, with feedback due by July 27, 2026.

2026-10222, Enhancement of Emerging Growth Company Accommodations and Simplification of Filer Status for Reporting Companies

The SEC is making it easier for companies that report their finances by simplifying their categories into just two groups: big and small filers. Smaller companies, including emerging growth ones, will get more time to file reports and enjoy simpler rules, while big companies keep stricter standards. These changes aim to save time and money, with feedback open until July 20, 2026.

2026-07651, Concept Release on Consolidated Audit Trail and Other Audit Trails and Data Sources

The SEC wants your thoughts on how it tracks stock market trades using the Consolidated Audit Trail and other data tools. They’re thinking about updating rules to keep up with new tech, privacy, and security needs, and to make sure the system is fair and cost-effective. If you’re involved in the stock market or data tracking, speak up by June 22, 2026!

2026-17283, Self-Regulatory Organizations; ICE Clear Credit LLC; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Relating to the CDS Instrument On-Boarding Policies and Procedures

ICE Clear Credit LLC is updating how it adds new credit default swap (CDS) contracts for clearing. This change makes the process clearer and smoother for everyone involved, including the companies that use these contracts. The update kicks in soon and helps keep things running efficiently without extra costs.

Previous: 2026-04808, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change To Enhance the Correlation Calculation for Bond Haircut Models and Make Other Changes

The Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) is updating how it calculates risk for bond trades to better protect against losses if a member can’t pay. These changes improve the math behind bond haircuts and other rules, helping keep the U.S. government securities market safer and smoother. The new rules kick in soon and won’t cost members extra but will boost financial security.

Next: 2026-04810, Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing of Advance Notice To Raise Prefunded Default Liquidity Through the Commercial Paper Program

The Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (FICC) plans to boost its safety net by raising more money through a new commercial paper program. This means FICC will issue short-term loans to have extra cash ready in case of financial trouble. The change helps protect everyone involved in bond trading and could start soon, making the system stronger and safer.