The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued new guidance on tokenized equities, marking a significant step towards regulated crypto stocks in the U.S. The guidance allows issuers and third parties to create onchain securities while ensuring investor rights are protected. This development is expected to bring major changes to the financial system, with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong predicting the U.S. will lead globally in this area. The SEC's statement, released on January 28, 2026, clarifies how federal securities laws apply to tokenized stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Issuers can now tokenize securities directly as crypto assets, with the blockchain serving as the shareholder ledger. However, legal obligations, including registration rules, remain unchanged. Third-party tokenization models, such as custodial and synthetic securities, are also addressed, with the SEC emphasizing the importance of economic reality over labels to ensure compliance and investor protection. This move positions the U.S. as a competitive hub for financial tokenization, with regulators, exchanges, and investors preparing for the integration of onchain stocks under clear federal oversight. Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, praised the SEC's forward-looking stance, highlighting the potential for regulated innovation in the financial markets.