SEC Launches Nationwide Crypto Outreach to Shape Inclusive Regulation

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is embarking on an unprecedented outreach initiative dubbed “Crypto on the Road,” aiming to directly engage with cryptocurrency firms across the country. This effort, spearheaded by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce and her Crypto Task Force, began in late July 2025 and includes a series of in-person roundtable discussions with industry stakeholders in cities such as Berkeley, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, and New York, among others. The last engagement is scheduled for December 5 in Ann Arbor, Michigan [4].

The SEC’s initiative is a marked shift from its recent regulatory posture, particularly under Chair Gary Gensler, who has taken a firm stance against major crypto platforms like Coinbase and Gemini over alleged securities violations. This new outreach is designed to foster a more inclusive dialogue, especially with smaller and emerging crypto projects that have historically been underrepresented in regulatory conversations [4].

Companies interested in participating can apply via a dedicated “crypto” email address, providing details about their team and operations. The SEC is specifically seeking input from startups with fewer than 10 employees and less than two years of operations, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping future crypto policy [4].

The timing of the initiative aligns with broader regulatory developments, including the introduction of “Project Crypto,” a multi-faceted strategy to address policy challenges in the crypto space [2]. While some industry figures, such as Tim Draper, have welcomed the SEC’s engagement as a step toward a more blockchain-friendly regulatory environment, others, like venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, have expressed concerns over potential regulatory loopholes [5].

Meanwhile, Congress is advancing legislative proposals such as the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts to establish a clearer federal framework for crypto and stablecoin regulation [9]. These efforts highlight a broader push within the U.S. to balance innovation with investor protection and market integrity.

As the SEC continues its cross-country engagement, the crypto industry is closely watching to see how these discussions may influence future policy decisions and enforcement actions. The initiative signals a more collaborative approach to regulation, potentially paving the way for a more structured and transparent environment for the fast-evolving crypto sector.

Source:

[1] https://cryptoslate.com/sec-takes-crypto-roundtables-nationwide-opens-with-aug-4-stop-in-berkeley/

[2] https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/07/31/the-sec-just-unveiled-project-crypto-what-you-need-to-know/

[3] https://news.bitcoin.com/tim-draper-applauds-secs-project-crypto-his-all-bitcoin-vision-nears-reality/

[4] https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261008/On-the-Road-SEC-Crypto-Task-Force-to-Host-a-Series-of-Roundtables-Across-the-U.S.

[5] https://cointelegraph.com/news/a16z-to-senate-drop-the-ancillary-asset-loophole-pass-clarity-instead

[9] https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/alerts/update-2025-us-stablecoin-legislation