Mark T. Uyeda, a member of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), stated that regulations regarding digital assets should be updated. Commissioner Uyeda is of the opinion that removing unnecessary obstacles to tokenization in modern financial markets will contribute to the development of the markets.
Tokenization is Now a Viable Reality
In his speech at the 2026 Asset Management Derivatives Forum, Mark Uyeda stated that blockchain-based systems mean a significant modernization in capital markets. It was stated that trading traditional assets on the blockchain has now become a method tested in practice rather than a theoretical concept. Some of the SEC’s recent public announcements in this field have been interpreted as indicating that the commission is open to innovations.
The Commissioner argued that in transferring existing legal rules to the blockchain environment, adaptation should be prioritized instead of an approach that obstructs market needs. Uyeda stated that it is important to create result-oriented regulations that approach technology neutrally, rather than a regulation that prioritizes technology.
Blockchain Can Reduce Intermediary Layers
Uyeda stated that the SEC’s current rules are mostly designed for financial processes involving more than one brokerage firm. However, he pointed out that blockchain-based systems could enable more direct interaction between issuers and investors. It was emphasized that with programmable technology, advantages such as speed and transparency in transactions can also come to the fore.
It was stated that the Commission’s duty is to transfer existing legal frameworks to the digital asset ecosystem in a way that does not hinder innovation. According to Uyeda’s statements, tokenized assets are expected to remain subject to securities legislation.
The Importance of Regulatory Clarity and Sectoral Applications
A recent joint statement by SEC staff stated that whether records are kept digitally or traditionally does not change the legal status. In this statement, it was reminded that in the tokenization process, regardless of who and how an asset is offered, the necessity of compliance with the legislation is required.
On the other hand, Phemex, one of the platforms providing financial services, has switched to an application that combines traditional assets with digital infrastructure. The company started to offer 24/7 access to stocks and commodities on its platform. This step aims to accelerate the transition between classical finance and the world of digital assets.
Mark Uyeda pointed out the importance of removing existing obstacles to increase the viability of blockchain-based financial services and emphasized the need for technology-compatible and innovation-supporting regulations in the sector.
Experts are of the opinion that tokenized securities and digital assets, directly connecting investors and issuers, have the potential to change some long-established structures in financial markets. As this transformation continues, it is interpreted that it is important for the sector that regulatory institutions produce clear policies.
