The US SEC unveils a five-year "Innovation Exemption" to free platforms that facilitate blockchain and tokenized stock trading from many stock exchange rules (Hannah Lang/Reuters)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced a five-year “Innovation Exemption” that relaxes many exchange rules for platforms that enable blockchain and token-ized stock trading. The exemption allows these platforms to operate without complying with standard listing and trading regulations that apply to traditional exchanges. The SEC’s move aims to encourage growth in digital-asset trading infrastructure while maintaining oversight.