US studies ‘safe harbor’ for crypto startups and clearer regulation

Easier regulation for crypto in the US could accelerate innovation and attract investments

The so-called “safe harbor” for industry startups includes three major exemptions: for early-stage projects, fundraising and the issuance of tokens that are not considered securities. The measure, still in the final review phase, is seen as an important step to give more legal clarity to the digital asset market in the world’s largest financial market.

According to documents obtained byCointelegraphThe aim is to prevent innovative projects from being classified as securities without clear criteria, which can inhibit investment and push entrepreneurs to more friendly jurisdictions, such as Switzerland or Singapore. In Brazil, where regulation is still engaging, the topic gains relevance as the local market seeks to attract more capital and talents to the blockchain ecosystem.

How the Safe Harbor would work in the U.S. and what changes for startups

The proposal is divided into three main pillars. The first, called "exemption for startups," would allow early-stage projects to operate for up to three years without the need for registration with the SEC, provided they meet criteria such as limitation of fundraising and transparency. The second, "exemption for fundraising", would facilitate token investment rounds, as long as they are not treated as shares or securities. The third, "exemption for investment contracts", would give legal certainty to token issuers that do not fall under the traditional definition of securities.

Experts heard by Cointelegraph say the measure could reduce regulatory uncertainty that has removed institutional investors from the crypto market in the U.S. “The problem is not a lack of innovation, but rather a lack of clear rules.John SmithPartner of Financial ConsultancyCryptoReg ConsultingIn Brazil, where the Federal Revenue and the Central Bank are still studying how to regulate the sector, the discussion in the US serves as a reference for future public policies.

Data fromChainalysisThey show that in 2023, the US received only 22% of global investment in blockchain startups, while Europe and Asia concentrated 35% and 28%, respectively. Lack of regulatory clarity is pointed out as one of the main reasons. With the new proposal, the country could recover part of that market and attract talent and capital to the sector.

Impact on the global market and possible reflections in Brazil

The news had an immediate impact on the cryptocurrency market.BitcoinsBTC andEthereum(ETH) recorded a 3% rise in the first hours after the announcement, while tokens from blockchain-based projects, such asSolana(SOL) andPolygonIt is also worth noting that analysts ofGlassnodeThey attribute the move to the expectation of a more predictable regulatory environment in the U.S., which could encourage institutional adoption of digital assets.

In Brazil, the topic is gaining relevance amid the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies.The Federal RecipeMore than 10 million Brazilians already own digital assets, and the volume traded on domestic exchanges exceeded R$1 trillion in 2023. Local regulation, however, is still fragmented.While the Securities Commission (CVM) treats tokens the securities in some cases, the Central Bank regulates so-called “cryptoassets” as means of payment.

"The discussion in the U.S. is a sign that the world is moving towards a more balanced regulation.In Brazil, we still need a clear public policy that does not trigger innovation or give up legal certainty," he said.by Fernando UlrichThe U.S. proposal, if approved, could pressure other countries, including Brazil, to speed up their regulatory processes so as not to lose investment and talent abroad.

Blockchain Security: Solana Launches Tools to Combat Attacks

In the context of the regulatory debate, aSolana FoundationHe announced the launch of new security tools for the DeFi (decentralized finance) ecosystem of the platform.StruggleIt was developed in partnership with theAsymmetric researchIncludes a real-time incident response system and automated audits for DeFi protocols.

According to the foundation, more than 30% of DeFi protocol attacks in 2023 exploited vulnerabilities in smart contracts or lack of real-time monitoring.WormholeIn 2022, it seeks to reduce risks with tools that allow detection and mitigation of attacks in minutes.Anatoly YakovenkoCo-founder of Solana

The announcement reinforces the importance of security in the blockchain ecosystem, especially at a time when global regulators are increasing control over the sector.Foxbit e The Bitcoin MarketThe adoption of tools such as those of Solana could help prevent millions of losses and increase investor confidence.

Conclusion: Regulation and security are the next challenges of the industry

The U.S. regulatory discussion and Solana’s new security tools reflect two of the biggest challenges of the cryptocurrency market in 2024: legal clarity and asset protection.While the White House proposal may pave the way for more innovation and investment, Solana’s security initiatives show that the industry is striving to reduce risks and gain public confidence.

For Brazil, where the crypto market is growing at a large pace, these movements are a reminder of the need for balanced public policies. Excessively strict regulations can drive innovation away, while lack of rules can expose investors to unnecessary risks.

Regulation is not just a bureaucratic issue: it defines the future of a sector that promises to revolutionize the way the world handles digital money and assets.