Investment Adviser Rules

Definition ∞ Investment adviser rules are regulations established by governmental bodies to govern the conduct of individuals or firms that provide investment advice for compensation. These rules aim to protect investors by ensuring advisers act in their clients’ best interests, disclose conflicts of interest, and maintain appropriate records. They cover aspects such as registration requirements, advertising standards, and fiduciary duties. Compliance is mandatory for licensed advisers.
Context ∞ The application of existing investment adviser rules to digital asset offerings and services is a significant area of regulatory discussion and uncertainty within the crypto industry. News reports frequently cover how traditional securities laws might apply to various decentralized finance protocols or crypto investment products. Clarity on these rules is sought by both service providers and investors to ensure legal compliance and consumer protection in the evolving digital asset landscape.

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→Innovation Exemption

→Market Structure

→Broker Dealer Compliance

SEC Signals Policy Pivot, Prioritizing Rules and Innovation over Enforcement

The SEC's new examination priorities formalize a strategic shift, requiring firms to integrate digital asset risk into core compliance and disclosure frameworks.

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→Investment Product Compliance

→Market Structure Reform

→Digital Asset Securities

SEC Approves Generic Standards for Spot Digital Asset ETP Listings

The SEC's approval of generic listing standards for spot commodity ETPs fundamentally streamlines market access for digital asset investment products, shifting regulatory focus from individual product approval to standardized compliance frameworks.

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→SEC Examination Priorities

→Market Structure

→US Jurisdiction

SEC Removes Dedicated Crypto Risk Category from 2026 Examination Priorities

The SEC's policy pivot integrates digital asset risk into core compliance frameworks, signaling an end to specialized crypto-only audits.

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→Investment Adviser Rules

→Streamlined Approval Process

→Capital Formation Pathway

SEC Streamlines Crypto ETF Approval Process, Accelerating Digital Asset Market Access

The SEC's shift from discretionary review to standardized criteria fundamentally lowers the regulatory friction for institutional digital asset products.

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→Compliance Software Stack

→Digital Asset Safekeeping

→Fund Manager Services

US Bank Restarts Institutional Crypto Custody Service Citing Regulatory Clarity

Major bank's custody resumption validates the institutional compliance framework, shifting digital asset risk management from legal uncertainty to operational integration.

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→Operational Requirements

→Custody Solutions

→Crypto Compliance

SEC Staff Permits State Trust Companies as Crypto Qualified Custodians

The SEC's no-action letter redefines crypto custody, allowing state trust companies to serve as qualified custodians for regulated entities, enhancing operational clarity.