SEC Commissioner Uyeda: Tokenization of the securities market requires technology-neutral regulation, has stopped the enforcement-led approach

Mark T. Uyeda, a commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), delivered a speech at the 2026 Asset Management Derivatives Forum, highlighting the progress of the implementation of Treasury clearing rules and the development of tokenization in the securities market.

The SEC has approved the registration of two new clearing agencies, CME Securities Clearing and ICE Clear Credit, providing market participants with more clearing options. Data from the Office of Financial Research indicates that if the rules are implemented in the first 8 months of 2025, U.S. global systemically important banks could free up an average of $34.5 billion in balance sheet space.

Regarding tokenization, Uyeda stated that the SEC has ceased to use enforcement as the primary means of expressing its views, instead promoting limited scope pilots through regulatory guidance and exemptions. He emphasized that SEC rules should remain technology-neutral, focusing on outcomes rather than processes, while ensuring appropriate investor protection measures.