SEC Proposes New Crypto Custody Rules: What Changes for Advisers and Funds?

Quick take

• On October 1, 2026, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by Chairman Paul Atkins, proposed new custody rules for digital assets.
• The rules target registered investment advisers and regulated funds, not individuals.
• State-chartered trust companies would count as qualified custodians, and conditional self-custody would be allowed.
• Nothing is in effect yet: comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

What happened?

The SEC put forward a proposal to modernize custody rules so they clearly cover digital assets. Key points: state-chartered trust companies would be recognized as qualified custodians, and an investment adviser could self-custody a crypto asset under strict conditions when no qualified custodian is willing to hold it. The proposal also updates custody rules for non-crypto assets.

• Oct 1Proposal date
• 60 daysComment period after official publication
• QuarterlyRequired review of the self-custody decision
• Trust companiesBecome qualified custodians

Proposed self-custody conditions

• No qualified custodian is willing to hold the asset.
• That determination is documented in writing and reassessed every quarter.
• The adviser alone holds the private keys.

Why it matters

Unclear custody rules have been one of the biggest barriers for US advisers and funds holding crypto on behalf of clients. Clearer rules could open the door to a wider range of institutions, potentially adding to medium-term institutional demand alongside ETFs, which drew billions of dollars this quarter.

What to watch

• Federal Register publication: starts the 60-day comment clock.
• Industry feedback: comments from custodians and advisers could reshape the final text.
• Final adoption: the rules will not apply until a final version is voted on.

FAQ

Are these rules in effect now?

No. It is a proposal open for public comment and may change before formal adoption.

Does this affect my personal wallet?

No. It applies to registered investment advisers and regulated funds in the US. Self-custody remains available to individuals using non-custodial wallets.

Self-custody with Taccoin

Taccoin Wallet is self-custody: your keys and recovery phrase stay only on your device, and no one else can access your funds.

Source: US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announcement of October 1, 2026.

This content is for news purposes only and is not investment advice. Crypto prices are highly volatile, so do your own research before making decisions.