Bitcoin

SEC Ruling: Proof-of-Work Mining Not Subject To Securities Law

By Akriti Seth

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2025

Fact checked

By Sam Cooling

Disclaimer Icon
Disclaimer

Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
99Bitcoins may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. All our recommendations follow a thorough review process.

SEC Delays Decision on XRP, Solana, Litecoin, and Dogecoin ETFs
Disclaimer Icon
Disclaimer

Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
99Bitcoins may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. All our recommendations follow a thorough review process.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially ruled that proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrency mining does not constitute securities trading under US law.

Importantly, the SEC has clarified that Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin are treated as commodities rather than securities.

According to a 21 March 2025 SEC statement, “It is the Division’s view that participants in Mining Activities do not need to register transactions with the Commission under the Securities Act or fall within one of the Securities Act’s exemptions from registration in connection with these Mining Activities.”

To simplify this, individual miners and mining pools participating in these networks are not subject to securities registration requirements.

As the US moves toward clearer cryptocurrency regulations under President Donald Trump, the SEC’s stance on mining offers much-needed certainty to the digital asset market.

EXPLORE: 10 Coins with High Returns: Crypto Forecast 2025

Trump’s Choice Of SEC Chair Nominee, Paul Atkins, To Face Panel Next Week

On 27 March 2025, SEC Chair nominee Paul Atkins and Trump’s top choice for the position, will be facing the Senate Banking Committee to testify. Atkins, who is also a former commission of the SEC, will advance if the votes in the Senate are in his favour.

Notably, Atkins served as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008. His background aligns closely with the cryptocurrency industry.

Furthermore, his biography on Patomak Global Partners’ website highlights his work with the Token Alliance, a crypto advocacy group. He has been involved in developing best practices for digital asset issuances and trading platforms since 2017.

If confirmed, Atkins’ appointment could represent a seismic shift in the SEC’s regulatory stance toward cryptocurrency.

Under the Joe Biden administration, outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler took a stringent approach to the crypto industry. Gensler is known for initiating enforcement actions against several high-profile companies and projects.

EXPLORE: 10 Best AI Crypto Coins to Invest in 2025

Key Takeaways

  • The US SEC has officially ruled that proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining does not constitute securities trading under US law. 

  • The SEC’s clarifying statement is seen as a long-awaited regulatory breakthrough for crypto miners. 

  • SEC nominee Paul Atkins and Trump’s top choice for the position of SEC Chair, will be facing the Senate Banking Committee to testify in a week. 

Why you can trust 99Bitcoins

10+ Years

Established in 2013, 99Bitcoin’s team members have been crypto experts since Bitcoin’s Early days.

90hr+

Weekly Research

100k+

Monthly readers

50+

Expert contributors

2000+

Crypto Projects Reviewed

Google News Icon
Follow 99Bitcoins on your Google News Feed
Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now!
Subscribe now
Akriti Seth
Akriti Seth
Senior Editor

Akriti Seth is a Zurich-based Business Journalist and Crypto Editor. Her passion for journalism has taken her across the globe – from thriving as an on-television correspondent to writing engaging articles, she has worked for companies like Informa UK, Bloomberg... Read More

Free Bitcoin Crash Course

  • Enjoyed by over 100,000 students.
  • One email a day, 7 days in a row.
  • Short and educational, guaranteed!
Back to top