Solana advances as US regulator supports tokenised stock trading

Solana surged as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced a five-year "Innovation Exemption" framework for tokenised stock trading. Broader crypto markets gained marginally, while shares in US crypto firms advanced firmly.

By Daniel Mejía

The SEC unveiled a five-year Innovation Exemption framework permitting US tokenised stock trading.
Tokenised shares must preserve traditional investor rights, including voting privileges and dividend entitlements.
Solana led mega cap crypto gains with a 3.04% surge, while shares in crypto platforms Coinbase and Robinhood jumped.

Date: 17 September 2026

Could US regulatory support for tokenised stocks fuel crypto's rally?

The cryptocurrency market advanced slightly following the announcement of a regulatory framework in the United States supporting tokenised stocks, signalling that blockchain technology is increasingly bridging the gap to traditional financial assets.

According to a report by Reuters, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled a regulatory pathway that will allow financial institutions and platforms to facilitate trading in blockchain-based stocks and other securities.

Termed the "Innovation Exemption", this temporary regulatory measure will operate over a five-year period to assess how investors integrate this technology into their investment strategies. Crucially, this measure does not constitute permanent statutory legislation, but rather a flexible regulatory exemption enabling the SEC to identify potential regulatory gaps, operational enhancements, and supervisory requirements over time. Furthermore, as quoted by CNBC, SEC Chair Paul Atkins noted that the exemption is designed to enforce investor protections and market integrity standards as innovation across US financial assets advances.

Meanwhile, critics have raised concerns regarding the fundamental rights attached to tokenised shares. In response, the SEC clarified that, under the exemption, tokenised stocks must preserve the full rights and privileges of traditional securities—including dividend entitlements and voting rights. Furthermore, as quoted by Reuters, a SEC official stated that technology platforms will be required to notify companies prior to listing tokenised versions of their equity, and would be prohibited from offering such products should the issuing firm refuse consent.

Although the SEC's exemption leverages blockchain technology, it does not apply directly to native crypto assets, as tokenised shares will be backed directly by traditional US equities. Against this backdrop, broader digital assets rose marginally: total market capitalisation expanded by 0.89%, Bitcoin edged up by 0.31%, and Ethereum appreciated by 1.37%. Meanwhile, Solana increased by 3.04%, standing out as one of the top performers in the day's trading session.

Concurrently, crypto-focused firms—including Coinbase, Robinhood, and Kraken—announced plans to launch tokenised stock offerings. Consequently, shares in Coinbase advanced by 5.75%, whilst Robinhood's stock climbed by 5.16%.

Technical analysis of Solana

From a technical perspective, while Solana previously established a distinct bearish trajectory, the asset is currently signalling a meaningful price recovery. A detailed examination of the current market structure reveals the following key dynamics:

Trend Context: On daily timeframes, Solana has reclaimed its 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day Simple Moving Averages (SMAs) and is trading comfortably above these key technical metrics. In the short term, price action indicates a potential retest or pullback near a key pivot zone, which could facilitate further appreciation if bullish momentum persists.
Resistance Levels: Should price action breach short-term resistance at $110, the next major technical barrier lies at $125—a level that converges with the Volume Profile's Value Area High (VAH). A decisive close above these levels would increase the probability of expansion towards higher market capitalisation levels.
Support Levels: If structural support at $96.50 is breached to the downside, the primary structural floor sits at $83.50, a technical zone aligned with the 200-day SMA. A sustained breakdown below this threshold would likely accelerate selling pressure and heighten the risk of a deeper market correction.
Momentum Indicators: Both the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are exhibiting a downward trajectory, pointing towards potential price consolidation or a short-term retracement. Furthermore, macroeconomic, geopolitical, and regulatory factors remain predominant drivers of future market direction.