SEC clears DePIN tokens as ‘fundamentally’ outside jurisdiction
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has indicated it will not pursue enforcement against tokens linked to Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). A no-action letter from SEC’s Michael Seaman confirmed that the planned token launch of DoubleZero would not require registration as securities. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce emphasized that DePIN projects differ fundamentally from capital-raising transactions that the SEC regulates. DoubleZero’s 2Z token operates on a protocol that facilitates access to underutilized private fiber links, compensating network participants for their contributions rather than acting as an investment vehicle. This clarity signifies a collaborative effort between US founders and regulators in creating a framework for innovation. Peirce noted that treating DePIN tokens as securities could hinder the growth of these networks, highlighting that such tokens serve as functional incentives rather than shares in a company. As a result, DePIN tokens have not notably reacted to the SEC’s decision, with related tokens experiencing a slight dip in the market recently.
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