Solana Policy Institute Presses SEC on DeFi Rules as SOL Eyes $162

Solana Policy Institute urged the U.S. SEC to carve out clear protection for DeFi software developers. The group submitted its view on January 9, 2026, through the SEC’s website. It responded to a crypto market request for information dated December 17, 2025. 

The institute argued that existing exchange-style rules fit centralized venues, not open DeFi tools. It also warned that unclear standards raise legal risk for builders and slow U.S. innovation.

Policy push focuses on custody and control

The institute asked the SEC to draw bright lines around custody and transaction control. It said developers who publish non-custodial, open-source tools do not act like brokers or exchanges. 

Users keep their own keys and approve each transaction themselves. Consequently, the institute framed code as a tool that users run, not a middleman. Besides, it said investor protection improves when rules target parties who hold assets or direct execution.

Additionally, the submission urged the SEC to confirm that publishing software does not equal operating a venue. It argued that exchange and ATS frameworks assume an operator who controls access and order interaction. 

DeFi protocols do not rely on that structure in many designs. Hence, the institute said ATS-style requirements could force DeFi into a model it tries to remove.

Why the “exchange” label creates friction for DeFi

The institute warned that broad readings of “exchange” could sweep in interfaces and messaging layers. It said developers do not run order books or match counterparties in many non-custodial systems. 

Moreover, it argued that forcing registration could drive builders offshore. It also said the U.S. could lose competitiveness without gaining market integrity benefits.

Significantly, the group supported guidance that clarifies developer activity stays outside intermediary regimes. It also pointed to targeted rule changes that exclude non-custodial software from the exchange definition. However, it still framed enforcement as appropriate for actors who take custody or control transactions.

SOL price tracks “ascending accumulation,” analyst says

Source: CoinCodex

Solana traded at $142.74, up 0.73% in 24 hours as of publication, with $6.93 billion in volume. It gained 2.85% over seven days, with roughly 570 million SOL in circulation. Market participants valued the network near $80.68 billion at the time of reporting. 

CryptoJobs3 described an ascending accumulation setup with buyers defending higher lows. Price action has held support near $139–$140 and faced supply around $144–$146.

Repeated tests of that zone can signal absorption when buyers keep returning quickly. A firm break above $146 could open $152 next. Consequently, CryptoJobs3 watched the $160–$162 zone as a higher target if momentum persists.