SEC proposes blockchain-friendly transfer agent rule and plans 24-hour trading roundtable

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced two moves that could impact crypto markets: a roundtable on 24-hour trading and a proposed rule to update transfer agent regulations to include blockchain technology.

Roundtable on continuous trading

The SEC will hold a roundtable on September 17 at its Washington headquarters to discuss the possibility of round-the-clock trading in U.S. securities markets. Major financial firms, including NYSE, Nasdaq, State Street, Citadel Securities, Cboe, DTCC, and Robinhood, will participate.

The event will cover topics such as overnight surveillance, closing-price practices, trade clearing and settlement, and system maintenance for continuous trading. Crypto markets, which already operate 24/7, could be affected by any new rules that emerge from this discussion.

Proposed rule for transfer agents

The SEC also proposed a new rule to modernize regulations for transfer agents—firms that track ownership of securities. The update explicitly includes the use of blockchain technology, which allows instant and transparent transactions, particularly for tokenized securities.

The proposed rule, open for a 60-day public comment period, would allow blockchains to serve as official records for transactions. It also introduces new controls, such as cybersecurity requirements, for transfer agents.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated the rule aims to modernize decades-old regulations, including the use of electronic communications and blockchain for securities offerings and share transfers.

Key questions for crypto

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce raised a critical question for the crypto sector: whether transfer agents should continue requiring physical addresses from security holders or allow digital identifiers like email or wallet addresses instead.

What is confirmed

• The SEC will host a roundtable on 24-hour trading on September 17, 2026.
• The SEC proposed a rule to update transfer agent regulations, including blockchain use.
• The proposed rule is open for a 60-day comment period.
• Major financial firms will participate in the roundtable.

Why this matters for crypto

Round-the-clock trading could bring U.S. securities markets closer to how crypto markets operate. The proposed transfer agent rule could also make it easier for blockchain-based systems to be used officially in traditional finance, particularly for tokenized securities, which are digital representations of real-world assets on a blockchain.

Sources

• CoinDesk