Home
/
Industry news
/
Regulatory updates
/

New sec regulations on self custody and de fi on the rise

New SEC Submissions | Push for Self-Custody and DeFi Regulation Intensifies

By

Lucas Andrade

Jan 21, 2026, 04:51 PM

2 minutes needed to read

An illustration showing a digital lock symbolizing self-custody and finance elements representing decentralized finance, with a background of regulatory documents.
popular

A growing coalition of people advocates for self-custody solutions in response to recent SEC comments, with many arguing that these measures could protect savings and reduce scams. Concerns over regulatory actions in decentralized finance (DeFi) are sparking heated discussions in the crypto community.

Context and Importance

The SEC's latest stance on the regulation of self-custody and DeFi has prompted a backlash from many in the crypto space. With evolving governance, the rise of self-custody options raises questions about how regulations will adapt.

Key Themes from the Community

  1. Self-Custody Advocacy

    Many believe that controlling their own digital assets is essential for actual ownership.

    "Self-custody is the best way to really own our savings and could also help avoid many scams out there," shared an active member on a popular forum.

  2. Regulatory Concern

    There's rising anxiety about how the SEC's actions may impact innovation in DeFi. People fear that overregulation could stifle growth and creativity in the space.

  3. Calls for Clarity

    Users are demanding clearer communication from regulators on what self-custody will mean for their future investments.

Notable Comments

The conversation around self-custody reflects a mixture of hope and concern, as participants seek clarity. Some people shared a common sentiment:

  • **β€œThis sets a dangerous precedent.

The Path Ahead for DeFi Regulations

There’s a strong chance we will see more structured guidelines from the SEC as the demand for clarity grows. Experts estimate around 60% of stakeholders in crypto platforms are advocating for actionable regulations that promote innovation while ensuring consumer protection. This may lead to a dual approach, where some aspects of self-custody are regulated to ensure security without stifling the core ethos of decentralization. If responses from the SEC remain ambiguous, however, there’s also a significant riskβ€”about 45%β€”that many participants could withdraw from the market, leading to a temporary decline in DeFi projects as uncertainty overshadows potential growth.

A Historical Lens on Self-Ownership

Looking back, the rise of personal computing in the 1980s offers an intriguing parallel. As the Internet began to democratize information, people clamored for control over their digital identities, challenging traditional gatekeepers. The response from regulators back then mirrored today’s situation, with initial resistance to decentralized structures. Just like the software developers crafting user-friendly interfaces for mass adoption, today’s advocates of self-custody are pushing for ownership over their digital assets despite regulatory hurdles. This historical context highlights how periods of innovative upheaval often provoke regulatory caution, yet they pave the way for transformative change.