Source: Oanda.com – Online Trading
If you trade online, there are some important updates you should know. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun making key changes to how it oversees the markets, especially around crypto and compliance. Now, this isn’t a reason to worry. But it is a reason to pay attention. Understanding the rules protects your money and helps you make better long-term decisions. Let’s walk through the most significant changes and what they mean for you.
Clearer Crypto Rules Are Finally on the Way
For years, crypto traders operated in murky legal waters. Were the tokens securities or not? What rules applied? Most answers came from lawsuits, which did not have clear guidelines. But in 2025, that’s finally changing.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins has said the agency wants to create official, written rules for how tokens are issued, stored, and traded.
“A key priority of my chairmanship will be to develop a rational regulatory framework for crypto asset markets that establishes clear rules of the road for the issuance, custody, and trading of crypto assets while continuing to discourage bad actors from violating the law,” he said earlier this year.
This change is monumental. It suggests the SEC wants to stop treating crypto like a legal grey zone and start giving investors and platforms more certainty.
What does this mean for online traders?
- You’ll likely see better definitions of which tokens are securities (and which aren’t).
- Crypto platforms may need to register with the SEC.
- You should follow more formal processes for reporting trades and gains.
These rules are still being finalised, but they’re coming. Pay attention and plan accordingly.
The SEC Is Still Serious About Investor Protection
While the SEC is relaxing some of its aggressive tactics, that doesn’t mean it has completely given up enforcement. Instead, it’s focusing more on violations that truly hurt investors.
One area getting attention is record-keeping. In January 2025, Robinhood paid a $45 million penalty to settle charges related to record-keeping failures and misleading disclosures.
In its press release, the SEC announced that Robinhood violated more than 10 separate securities law provisions. According to the SEC, the company didn’t store trade records properly and gave customers the wrong impression about how their trades were executed.
Another key area is insider trading. As of 2025, public companies must now include their insider trading policies in annual filings. This means the SEC expects more transparency and accountability from companies and traders alike.
So what does this mean for you?
- Be sure to store all your trade records, emails, and messages in a secure, retrievable way.
- Know your company’s insider trading policy (or create one if you’re running a business).
- Stay away from trading on non-public information—it’s not just unethical, it’s illegal.
Active Traders Should Pay Attention to the Dealer Rule
Another change that might surprise active traders: a new SEC rule could classify you as a “dealer” even if you don’t have clients or run an online trading firm.
The idea is that you might now fall under the dealer category if you regularly buy and sell securities in large amounts or provide liquidity (say, with an algorithm). This rule could pull many prop trading firms and hedge funds under SEC and FINRA oversight.
Here’s what this means for online traders:
- If you’re a solo trader but trade frequently and at volume, be aware that this rule could apply to you.
- Expect more regulatory oversight if you provide liquidity or trade in large amounts.
- If you’re unsure whether the rule applies, consult a financial advisor or legal professional.
Cybersecurity and Messaging Rules Matter More Than Ever
The SEC is doubling down on protecting confidential information and securing communication channels.
Material Nonpublic Information (any insider info that could affect a stock price) must be tightly controlled. The SEC is watching how companies and traders handle access to this data.
That includes things like:
- Messages on WhatsApp, Slack, or email
- Material Nonpublic Information (MNPI)
If your records aren’t incomplete or MNPI is shared through unsecured channels, that could trigger a violation.
So here’s your takeaway:
- Be careful where and how you share sensitive financial information.
- Use secure platforms for trading communication, and ensure you save records correctly.
- Train your team (or yourself) on cybersecurity basics and insider information rules.
Crypto Laws Still in Progress
While the SEC is moving forward, lawmakers in Washington are still struggling to pass major digital asset laws.
A much-discussed stablecoin bill failed to pass earlier this year, due to concerns about investor protections and potential conflicts of interest.
As AP News reported, the vote fell apart over disagreements on how to regulate issuers and whether the rules adequately protected consumers.
Until Congress makes progress, the SEC will fill the gap. That means its guidance will carry even more weight in the months ahead.
Trade Smart, Stay Compliant
The SEC isn’t out to crush online traders; it’s trying to create guidelines in a fast-changing market. The changes are on the way toward smarter regulation, especially in crypto, and stronger accountability regarding insider trading, cybersecurity, and fair access to the markets. The real investor is not guided by the market’s moods but by their discipline and preparation. You can confidently continue trading if you understand the rules and risks. Stay informed, adapt your strategy, and don’t ignore compliance details, no matter how small.
