Six major blockchain organizations, including Chainlink Labs and the Cardano Foundation, are asking the US Securities and Exchange Commission to make a clear distinction between digital commodities and securities in its proposed cryptocurrency regulatory framework. According to Cointelegraph, the groups made the request as the SEC’s public consultation on the proposal ended Tuesday.
Industry groups seek explicit classification
In a joint letter dated Oct. 20, Chainlink Labs, the Cardano Foundation, Hedera, Aptos Labs, Ava Labs and the Stellar Development Foundation urged the SEC to include the digital-commodity classification directly in its proposed Regulation Crypto Assets framework.
The organizations said relying only on interpretive guidance would leave developers and other market participants uncertain about their legal obligations. Their position is that digital commodities should be formally recognized as a category separate from securities, rather than being addressed only through interpretation.
The letter says the SEC’s existing interpretation already recognizes a distinction for digital commodities, but argues that the proposed rules do not clearly reflect it. The groups believe that omission could make it difficult for participants to determine when US securities regulations apply to blockchain-based assets and related activities.
Requests extend beyond token classification
The organizations also asked the SEC to clarify how securities laws would apply to secondary-market transactions involving digital assets. Secondary-market activity generally refers to trading after an asset has initially been issued or distributed.
Staking was another focus of the letter, alongside other activities connected with decentralized blockchain networks. Staking commonly involves committing digital assets to support the operation of a blockchain, although the letter’s request is for regulatory clarity on how such activities should be treated under securities laws.
The SEC’s proposed crypto framework was introduced in August. It includes proposed exemptions for some crypto offerings and a conditional safe harbor for certain tokens. The consultation attracted about 140 public comments during a 60-day period, with industry participants and legal scholars presenting competing views on the proposals.
Moneyiar market picture
Moneyiar market data at 23:19 on Oct. 22, 2026, shows both ADA and LINK lower over the previous 24 hours and seven days:
- Cardano (ADA): $0.211815673, down 6.23% in 24 hours and 7.6% over seven days.
- Chainlink (LINK): $11.9084560369, down 5.03% in 24 hours and 4.21% over seven days.
Moneyiar data at 23:18 on the same date put Four (FORM) at $0.2312071419, down 7.91% over 24 hours and 9.48% over seven days. Propy (PRO) stood at $0.3459714501, down 0.9% over 24 hours and 6.73% over seven days.
The organizations’ submission does not determine how the SEC will respond. It adds to the public record that the agency will consider as it reviews the proposed framework and the comments received during the consultation.
