SEC Reviews Ethereum’s ERC-3643 Token Standard
The SEC met with leading blockchain and tokenization experts last Thursday in a closed-door session to discuss ERC-3643, a new Ethereum token standard that ensures regulatory compliance for securities on the blockchain.
Organizations such as Chainlink Labs, the ERC-3643 Association, the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Etherealize and the legal firm Decentralized were part of the meeting. The session marked a significant step in aligning regulatory frameworks with modern blockchain technologies.
The discuERC-3643: Bridging Compliance and Decentralizationssions highlighted how ERC-3643 could address core regulatory concerns such as identity verification, jurisdiction, and compliance controls. Chainlink proposed the Automated Compliance Engine (ACE) — a smart contract tool designed to embed compliance directly into token operations.
This would enable real-time identity checks and legal enforcement mechanisms without compromising the decentralized nature of Ethereum.
The standard offers a scalable and secure method for issuing and managing real-world assets (RWAs) through compliance automation at the contract level.
SEC Response and Industry Optimism
Dennis O’Connell, head of the ERC-3643 Association, noted that the SEC was “very receptive” and showed openness to a standardized on-chain securities framework. He also revealed that the meeting followed several months of confidential discussions between blockchain developers and SEC officials.
According to O’Connell, the SEC’s mood was “positive, engaged, and committed” to positioning the U.S. as a leader in compliant digital asset innovation.
GENIUS Act Fuels Regulatory Momentum
During the meeting, it was noted that the GENIUS Act, a comprehensive stablecoin bill, was signed by Donald Trump. The law requires stablecoin issuers to:
- Follow anti-money laundering (AML) regulations
- Maintain 1:1 reserve backing
- Submit to U.S. government oversight
SEC Commissioner Atkins introduced the idea of “innovation exemptions,” allowing blockchain organizations room to experiment legally. He hinted at regulatory changes to encourage tokenization and new blockchain-based equity models.
Supporters believe the GENIUS Act could bring safer and faster payment systems while expanding crypto’s role in financial infrastructure.
Stablecoins Set to Soar
Experts predict massive growth in tokenized finance due to improved clarity in legal frameworks. Analysts from Citigroup project the global stablecoin market could grow from $265 billion to $3.7 trillion by 2030 — assuming regulatory support continues.
Conclusion
The SEC’s engagement with Ethereum’s ERC-3643 reflects a regulatory shift toward embracing blockchain compliance. Combined with the newly passed GENIUS Act, the U.S. seems poised to build a more open, efficient, and innovative digital financial system. This could mark the beginning of a new era for tokenized securities and compliant crypto finance.
