SEC Crypto Task Force Tours U.S. to Engage Small Startups in Regulatory Dialogue

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Crypto Task Force is launching a nationwide initiative to meet with small cryptocurrency startups, aiming to gather input that will shape the future of crypto regulation. From August to December 2025, the task force will travel to ten cities, including Berkeley, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and New York, to engage with projects that typically have fewer than ten employees and are under two years old [1]. This effort marks a significant shift toward more inclusive and collaborative policymaking, as the SEC seeks to ensure that smaller players—often overlooked in the regulatory process—have a voice in how the industry is governed.

Led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, the initiative underscores the SEC’s recognition that regulatory changes will have wide-reaching effects on the market. By reaching out to startups that might not have the means to participate in Washington-based roundtables, the task force is taking a proactive approach to understanding the unique challenges these companies face [1]. Peirce emphasized that the goal is to ensure outreach is as comprehensive as possible, acknowledging the complexity and rapid evolution of the crypto sector.

The initiative aligns with the Crypto Task Force’s broader mission, launched in January 2025 under acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, to create clearer and more effective regulatory frameworks for the digital asset space [1]. The focus on small startups reflects a growing awareness that innovation often originates from smaller, agile teams rather than established players. By providing these companies with a platform to express their concerns and suggestions, the SEC is fostering an environment where regulatory clarity and innovation can coexist.

During the outreach events, the task force is expected to discuss a range of issues, including compliance requirements, investor protections, and the legal classification of digital assets [1]. The outcomes of these meetings may inform the SEC’s future rulemaking efforts and could serve as a model for how other regulatory bodies engage with emerging industries. As the tour progresses, the crypto community will be watching closely to see how the insights gathered translate into practical regulatory reforms that support both consumer protection and market growth.

Source: [1] SEC’s Crypto Task Force Will Tour U.S. to Hear From Small Startups on Policy Reform, CoinDesk, https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/08/02/sec-s-crypto-task-force-will-tour-u-s-to-hear-from-small-startups-on-policy-reform