SEC Crypto Task Force Launches 10-City Roundtable Tour to Shape Regulations

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to launch a nationwide initiative, with its Crypto Task Force hosting a 10-city roundtable tour across the United States to gather input from industry stakeholders, developers, and investors. The outreach, part of the broader “Project Crypto,” is intended to shape future digital asset regulations by incorporating diverse perspectives, especially from early-stage startups. The discussions, led by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, will occur between August and December 2025, with a specific focus on firms less than two years old and with 10 or fewer employees [1].

This initiative marks a shift in the SEC’s approach to the crypto industry, moving away from its historically adversarial stance. Recent months have seen the agency withdraw enforcement actions against major platforms like Coinbase, Uniswap, and Kraken. The outreach effort is part of a broader regulatory softening under the Trump administration, which has also passed the GENIUS Act to regulate stablecoins and is considering the CLARITY Act to address market structure issues in crypto [2].

The task force has previously held roundtables featuring input from industry leaders in both traditional finance and crypto, including a16z Crypto and BlackRock. Topics have included custody solutions, tokenization, and decentralized finance. The new road tour aims to extend this dialogue to local communities, ensuring that smaller players and newer entrants have a voice in the regulatory process [3].

The SEC’s efforts align with broader changes across federal agencies, such as the Federal Reserve’s removal of restrictions on crypto-related reputational risk, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s easing of banking rules for crypto engagement. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the sector’s significance and the need for a more balanced regulatory approach [4].

While the cost of the initiative and its historical precedent remain undisclosed, the SEC’s operations are funded through congressional appropriations. The agency continues to solicit public input through its “Project Crypto” initiative, which includes a review of existing regulatory frameworks for crypto assets [5]. By directly engaging with industry participants, the SEC aims to foster a regulatory environment that supports innovation while safeguarding investors and mitigating the risks of emerging technologies [6].

The roundtable events are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. digital asset landscape, influencing how regulations evolve in response to the sector’s rapid development. The SEC’s willingness to listen to a broader spectrum of industry voices could help align regulatory expectations with the realities of the crypto market.

Sources:

[1] On the Road: SEC Crypto Task Force to Host a Series of Roundtables Across the U.S. (https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-102-road-sec-crypto-task-force-host-series-roundtables-across-us)

[2] SEC's Crypto Task Force to Hit the Road With 10 Roundtables (https://cointelegraph.com/news/sec-crypto-task-force-10-roundtables-across-us)

[3] SEC Launches Nationwide Crypto Roundtables to Shape Digital Asset Regulation (https://www.ainvest.com/news/sec-launches-nationwide-crypto-roundtables-shape-digital-asset-regulation-2508/)

[5] Accountants Offer Assistance as SEC Drafts Regulatory Framework for Cryptos (https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/accountants-offer-assistance-as-sec-drafts-regulatory-framework-for-cryptos/)

[6] SEC Member Hits the Road to Listen to Crypto Companies (https://en.coin-turk.com/sec-member-hits-the-road-to-listen-to-crypto-companies/)