Wall Street Crypto Rules: Firms Build Compliance Without Congress

Wall Street crypto rules are taking shape outside Washington, with financial firms building their own compliance and infrastructure while Congress has yet to pass a federal framework, according to CoinDesk’s Crypto for Advisors newsletter dated Oct. 15, 2026.

The weekly publication, aimed at financial advisors, says firms are standardizing digital-asset processes as they wait for clearer U.S. policy. Eric Soufer of Tusk Strategies writes that the practical focus is on what firms can build now, rather than waiting for legislation to resolve unresolved regulatory questions.

The newsletter also includes an “Ask an Expert” segment from Diego Grassano, who outlines checks advisors should use before trusting a tokenized platform. That guidance reflects advisor-facing scrutiny of tokenization while the market continues to develop without a completed federal rulebook.

Tokenized platform checks for advisors

The piece frames Wall Street’s approach as self-directed: firms are developing controls, infrastructure and due-diligence practices for crypto and tokenized assets. For advisors, the message is that adoption is moving forward, but scrutiny of platforms, custody, compliance and governance is still required before recommending products to clients. The newsletter emphasizes practical preparation rather than regulatory certainty.