In a recent clip from the Bits + Bips podcast, Christopher Perkins, President of CoinFund, highlighted a significant evolution in the crypto space. He pointed to the Monad ICO as a prime example of how far regulations have come. Unlike the crackdowns we saw in previous years, this launch was KYC-compliant, accessible to US investors, and didn't face immediate shutdowns. It's a sign that compliant token launches might be the new norm moving forward.

The tweet from @bitsandbips captures this sentiment perfectly, asking if this is the future of token offerings. For those unfamiliar, ICO stands for Initial Coin Offering—a way for projects to raise funds by selling tokens directly to the public. Back in 2017-2018, ICOs boomed but often led to scams and regulatory backlash, especially from the SEC under Gary Gensler.

Fast forward to today, and things look different. The Monad ICO, launched on Coinbase, featured a total supply of 100 billion tokens. They sold 7.5% at a $2.5 billion valuation, with the rest allocated to airdrops, the team, investors, and the ecosystem. It started strong, dipped below the ICO price, then rebounded to around a $3.5 billion fully diluted valuation. Perkins notes this as a "big win for Coinbase," which curated the asset and offered equal terms to all participants.

Tying It to Meme Tokens

While Monad is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain—not a meme token—the implications ripple into the meme world. Meme tokens often rely on fair launches via decentralized exchanges like Pump.fun or Raydium, where anyone can buy in early without KYC. But as the space matures, some meme projects might explore ICO-style raises for more structured funding.

This regulatory thaw, potentially under new SEC leadership like Paul Atkins, could make it easier for meme creators to launch compliantly. Imagine a meme token with built-in KYC for US users, avoiding offshore hurdles. It democratizes access, challenging platforms like Binance, and aligns with efforts to "make public markets great again," as Perkins puts it.

Why This Matters for Blockchain Practitioners

For devs and traders in the meme ecosystem, this shift means more opportunities. Compliant launches could attract institutional money, boosting liquidity and legitimacy. However, it's not without challenges—the market for digital assets remains tough, and not every ICO will be a hit.

If you're diving into meme tokens, keep an eye on how regulations evolve. Tools like Coinbase are leading the charge, offering fair access. For the full discussion, check out the Bits + Bips episode on YouTube.

This could be the start of a more inclusive era for token launches, blending the wild energy of memes with regulatory safety nets. What's your take—will we see KYC'd meme ICOs soon?