Fidelity Presses SEC Crypto Task Force for On-Chain Settlement Clarity

Fidelity pushes for clearer crypto rules as regulators weigh market structure changes, signaling rising momentum toward integrating digital assets into traditional finance while exposing key gaps in oversight, custody, and trading system alignment.

Fidelity Urges Clearer Crypto Rules for US Market Structure

Momentum is building around incorporating digital assets into U.S. market infrastructure as Fidelity Investments delivered recommendations on March 20 to the SEC Crypto Task Force, responding to the agency’s request for information regarding national securities exchanges and alternative trading systems trading crypto assets.

Fidelity framed its response around existing market strengths, highlighting the scale of regulated trading venues and the importance of aligning crypto oversight with established securities principles. The firm expressed support for the regulator’s approach, stating:

“We commend the Task Force’s proactive efforts with stakeholders and its commitment to fostering responsible innovation while safeguarding market integrity and investor protection.”

It also called for continued guidance enabling broker-dealers to custody and transact digital assets within compliant structures.

Token Classification and Blockchain Integration Challenges Highlighted

The firm addressed classification challenges tied to tokenized securities traded on alternative systems, emphasizing that intermediaries may lack full visibility into an asset’s structure. It stressed the need for regulatory certainty so platforms can rely on assigned classifications when facilitating trades.

“The SEC also should confirm when the status of a tokenized security issued to represent an underlying security has the same status as the underlying security,” the letter stated, highlighting the importance of consistent treatment across formats.

Fidelity examined how blockchain-based venues and traditional intermediaries might operate alongside one another as digital asset trading expands. Decentralized systems can introduce efficiencies such as faster settlement and lower costs. However, risks remain tied to oversight gaps. The firm encouraged regulators to evaluate coexistence frameworks that preserve investor protections while allowing broader market participation.

The submission highlighted operational frictions in adopting distributed ledger systems within current rules, particularly around recordkeeping and settlement definitions. Fidelity argued that clarity is needed to avoid unintended regulatory burdens when broker-dealers support blockchain-based transactions. The firm wrote:

“Confirmation on this point is critical to enable broker-dealers to support on-chain settlement activity without regulatory uncertainty and to facilitate the orderly development of these markets.”

FAQ 🧭

• Why is Fidelity engaging with the SEC on crypto rules?

Fidelity aims to shape clearer regulations that enable compliant crypto trading and custody within traditional financial systems.

• What is the biggest regulatory concern highlighted?

Uncertainty around token classification and broker-dealer responsibilities remains a key barrier to adoption.

• How could this impact crypto market growth?

Clearer rules could accelerate institutional participation and expand regulated trading infrastructure.

• What role do blockchain systems play in this shift?

They offer faster settlement and lower costs but require updated oversight frameworks to scale safely.