Bitcoin Surges Past $80,000 as SEC Exempts Tokenized Share Trading

The Bitcoin price surged to $80,352 on Friday, gaining 5.16% from Thursday's close after the US Securities and Exchange Commission announced a five-year conditional exemption for tokenized share trading.

This move allows qualifying platforms to trade blockchain-based versions of stocks without registering as conventional exchanges, preserving shareholder protections.

According to SEC Chair Paul Atkins, tokens 'must provide holders with the same rights and privileges as traditional securities,' including voting rights and dividend payments.

LMAX Group strategist Joel Kruger stated that 'even a modest improvement in macro, geopolitical or regulatory conditions could provide the catalyst for the next major leg higher' in Bitcoin's price.