SEC Announces Four Roundtables on Crypto Regulation

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to host four additional roundtable discussions focused on various aspects of the cryptocurrency sector. These roundtables, scheduled to take place between April 11 and June 6, will address critical topics such as trading rules, custody standards, asset tokenization, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

The first roundtable, titled "Between a Block and a Hard Place: Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading," is set for April 11. This session will delve into the complexities of regulating cryptocurrency trading, exploring how existing securities laws can be applied to digital assets. The second roundtable, "Know Your Custodian: Key Considerations for Crypto Custody," scheduled for April 25, will focus on the standards and best practices for crypto custody, ensuring the safekeeping of digital assets.

The third roundtable, "Tokenization – Moving Assets Onchain: Where TradFi and DeFi Meet," is planned for May 12. This discussion will examine the process of tokenizing traditional financial assets and moving them onto blockchain platforms, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). The final roundtable, "DeFi and the American Spirit," on June 6, will explore the implications of DeFi on the American financial system, discussing regulatory challenges and opportunities.

These roundtables will be open to the public and streamed live on the SEC's website, with recordings available for later viewing. In-person attendees must register online, though space is limited and security checks will be in place. Virtual viewers do not need to sign up, ensuring broad accessibility to the discussions.

Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the Crypto Task Force, highlighted the importance of these roundtables in fostering a dialogue among experts about regulatory issues and potential solutions. The task force, launched by Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda on January 21, aims to establish clear rules, streamline registration processes, refine disclosures, and prioritize enforcement in the cryptocurrency sector. Uyeda formed the group to shape policies that address the unique challenges posed by digital assets, following the task force's initial session which explored the application of securities laws to digital assets.

The push for these roundtables aligns with the broader regulatory agenda, reflecting a commitment to setting clear guidelines for the cryptocurrency industry. The series of discussions is expected to provide valuable insights and foster a more comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape, ultimately contributing to the development of a robust and transparent framework for digital assets.

These events are part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to modernize its oversight of the crypto sector. Since launching its Crypto Task Force, the financial regulator has emphasized the need for balance—protecting investors while supporting innovation. The initiative builds on the Commission’s first crypto roundtable on March 21. Despite varying opinions, participants shared a common demand—regulatory clarity. The dialogue emphasized the need for updated policies that better reflect the unique challenges of crypto markets.

According to the SEC, the planned roundtables would help the “Commission draw clear regulatory lines, provide realistic paths to registration, craft sensible disclosure frameworks, and deploy enforcement resources judiciously.”

This development comes amid a significant transition in the SEC’s stance under the current administration. The agency has dismantled its crypto-enforcement program and dropped several high-profile cases and investigations involving firms. The changes point to a significant transition—from broad enforcement actions to a clearer, more structured regulatory environment for the US crypto industry.