Paul Atkins, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced several new initiatives under Project Crypto to modernize rules and regulations. One part of his vision is the development of super-apps that allow investors to access a wide array of assets and financial services in one place. Under Project Crypto, the SEC will issue clear guidelines on how to categorize crypto assets, including what is and is not a security. Super-apps would serve as a one-stop shop where investors could access various digital trading and asset management services, such as buying or selling cryptocurrencies alongside traditional securities within the same account. If this comes to fruition, a brokerage account could give customers more access to digital assets and banking services. There’s nothing in current securities laws to stop SEC-registered trading platforms from listing non-securities. Super-apps have taken off in parts of Asia, such as China’s WeChat, but attempts to replicate the service in North America or Europe have not been successful due to regulatory, cultural, and competition from existing players. If the super-app market can establish itself, several existing crypto exchanges and brokerages could be well positioned to capitalize on shifts in consumer behavior. It may also serve to open decentralized finance (DeFi) applications to more investors. Major cryptocurrency platforms like Coinbase and brokerages like Robinhood are already positioning themselves as super-app market leaders, potentially securing a first-mover advantage. However, the changing digital asset landscape in the U.S. could bring opportunities for investors, such as earning staking rewards, but also raises concerns about increased fraud, theft, and data-protection laws. Investors must do considerable due diligence on both the platform they use and the assets they buy.