SEC Chair Atkins Unveils Token Framework Excluding ETH, SOL, and NFTs from Securities

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins outlined a crypto token classification framework on Nov. 13, clarifying which digital assets fall outside securities regulations, an SEC press release shows. The framework designates network tokens such as ETH and SOL, non-tokenized NFTs, and functional digital tools like authentication credentials as non-securities, based on their operational utility rather than profit expectations from managerial efforts. Tokenized securities representing ownership of traditional financial instruments on crypto networks remain classified as securities. Atkins noted the classification list is incomplete and subject to further refinement.