The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is laying the groundwork for the stock market to potentially run 24/7, while also floating major updates to rules around securities clearing and transfer—taking into account advances in blockchain and tokenization.

24/7 Trading: What’s on the Table for September 17

On September 17, the SEC is hosting a roundtable to talk about moving the US market to full 24/7 trading. Top of mind: how to handle overnight market surveillance, keep liquidity flowing, manage clearing and settlement, keep trading systems running smoothly, and what it would take to actually shift to a true around-the-clock model. The SEC’s published agenda breaks these issues out into dedicated panels for discussion.

SEC Rethinks Securities Transfer and Recordkeeping Rules

At the same time, the SEC is, for the first time in decades, proposing a major overhaul of the rules for tracking and transferring securities. The draft changes consider using blockchain tech for issuing and transferring shares. The SEC’s modernization proposal for registered transfer agents details updates to procedures and requirements to reflect new tech and tokenization trends.

Status: Discussion and Proposals Only—No Final Rules Yet

The upcoming roundtable is strictly for discussion, aiming to gather market feedback about a possible 24/7 trading regime. The rule modernization is still just a proposal, not a done deal. Next steps will depend on public comments and the regulatory process.