SEC Listens to Startups to Build a Clear Crypto Future

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Crypto Task Force continues to drive regulatory dialogue with the crypto industry through a nationwide outreach initiative, seeking input from early-stage startups and innovators to shape a clearer and more balanced regulatory framework for digital assets. Led by Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, the Task Force is conducting a series of roundtables and public engagements as part of its “Crypto on the Road” series, aiming to move beyond enforcement-based approaches and foster an environment that supports innovation while protecting investors. The initiative reflects a strategic shift in the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation, emphasizing transparency, public input, and collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The Task Force’s efforts began in January 2025 with the formal launch of the Crypto Task Force under Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda. The team was established to develop a “sensible regulatory path” for the crypto industry, addressing long-standing ambiguities around registration, disclosure, and enforcement. According to the SEC, the agency's previous reliance on enforcement actions had led to confusion and an environment hostile to innovation, while leaving the legal boundaries of crypto asset operations unclear. The Task Force's mandate is to create a regulatory framework that is both robust and adaptive, ensuring that U.S. financial regulators remain at the forefront of global digital asset developments.

Recent activities under the “Crypto on the Road” initiative have included stops in Dallas, Boston, Berkeley, and Chicago, with the tour set to continue through late 2025. These engagements are specifically targeting early-stage crypto projects with 10 or fewer employees and a history of less than two years in operation, aiming to include voices traditionally underrepresented in regulatory discussions. The SEC emphasizes that the regulatory framework it develops must have broad-based input to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability. The events are structured as roundtables and town halls, providing direct access to regulators for founders, developers, and legal experts to share insights and challenges.

Public engagement remains a cornerstone of the Task Force’s strategy. Commissioner Peirce has consistently urged market participants to submit written comments or request meetings with the Task Force, noting that earlier feedback increases the likelihood of being incorporated into policy decisions. The SEC has established online platforms for submitting written input, with Commissioner Peirce stressing that the Task Force is not operating on a fixed regulatory roadmap but is instead seeking diverse perspectives to inform future actions. The Task Force’s public statements and outreach efforts signal a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, though critics caution that dialogue alone may not resolve deep-seated concerns about enforcement-heavy regulatory practices.

The Task Force’s broader goals include developing clear registration pathways, crafting disclosure frameworks, and deploying enforcement resources judiciously. It is also examining the role of stablecoins, tokenized securities, and decentralized finance (DeFi) in the evolving crypto landscape. These efforts align with the SEC’s broader regulatory priorities, including financial surveillance, privacy protection, and investor safeguarding. By engaging with innovators across the country, the Task Force aims to create a regulatory environment that balances the need for investor protection with the opportunities presented by blockchain technology.

The SEC’s outreach efforts have been complemented by Commissioner Peirce’s participation in external forums, including DC Fintech Week and the DC Privacy Summit, where she has reiterated the importance of privacy-preserving tools and the need for regulatory clarity. The agency has also announced a public roundtable on financial surveillance and privacy on October 17, 2025, to further explore how technological advancements can be leveraged to protect sensitive data while enabling regulatory oversight. These efforts highlight the SEC’s evolving role in the crypto space, as it seeks to address both the technical and policy challenges associated with digital assets.

The Crypto Task Force’s work is unfolding against a backdrop of growing global regulatory competition, with the European Union having already implemented its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in 2025. The U.S. regulatory landscape remains more fragmented, with the SEC and other agencies operating under varying mandates. While the SEC continues to refine its approach through engagement and enforcement, the Task Force’s efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to fostering a more structured and predictable environment for crypto innovation.