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ARTICLE · 05 MARCH 2025

SEC Provides Welcome Clarity Regarding Meme Coins

K&L Gates
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In welcome news, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance (Division) yesterday announced "[a]s part of an effort to provide greater clarity" that meme coins.

United StatesFinance and Banking
Clifford C. Histed
Clifford C. Histed

In welcome news, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance (Division) yesterday announced "[a]s part of an effort to provide greater clarity" that meme coins do not involve the offer and sale of securities under the federal securities laws. This is to say that transactions in meme coins (as defined below) do not need to be registered with the SEC, but also that buyers and sellers are not protected by federal securities laws. Importantly, the Division limited this interpretation to meme coins that match the following descriptions:

  • A type of crypto asset inspired by internet memes, characters, current events, or trends for which the promoter seeks to attract an "enthusiastic online community"

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