Hester Peirce’s SEC to Hold Four Roundtables Focused on Cryptocurrency Regulation with Industry Leaders

SEC Announces Series of Roundtables to Shape Cryptocurrency Regulation

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is preparing to host a series of four public roundtables, set to run between April and June 2025.

This initiative, spearheaded by SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, aims to provide clearer regulatory guidelines for the cryptocurrency industry, focusing on key areas such as trading, custody, asset tokenisation, and decentralized finance (DeFi).

A New Approach to Crypto Regulation

For years, the SEC’s focus on cryptocurrency has largely been enforcement-driven, with actions aimed at addressing potential legal violations and market instability.

However, under the leadership of Peirce, the SEC is shifting towards a more open and cooperative approach.

Hester M. Peirce is an American lawyer and current Republican Commissioner on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with a background in financial markets and previous roles within the Senate and the SEC.

These roundtables, according to Peirce, represent a "spring sprint towards clarity in cryptocurrency" and signify a strategic change in the SEC’s regulatory approach.

Instead of focusing solely on enforcement, the SEC is now seeking to work alongside industry experts to establish a more transparent and effective framework.

Peirce said,

“These roundtables represent a shift in the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation, moving from enforcement-focused actions to a more collaborative and transparent process.”

The meetings will take place at the SEC's headquarters, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available.

Each session will focus on one of the key issues shaping the crypto landscape.

The first roundtable, scheduled for April 11, will explore cryptocurrency trading, while subsequent sessions will address custody (April 25), asset tokenization (May 12), and DeFi (June 6).

The Role of the Crypto Task Force in Shaping Policy

The Crypto Task Force, established by acting SEC Chairman Mark T. Uyeda, plays a crucial role in guiding these discussions.

Since its formation in January 2025, the task force has been assembling experts and industry figures to help craft a clear and effective regulatory framework for the growing digital asset market.

Commissioner Peirce explained,

"These roundtables will allow us to hear a lively discussion among experts on the current regulatory issues and what the Commission can do to solve them."

The task force’s first roundtable, held last Friday, delved into the application of securities laws to digital assets, a topic that has raised questions across the crypto space.

Peirce further shared that the SEC is also considering how to regulate NFTs as a distinct asset category, an area of growing interest within the crypto community.

Market Response and Industry Support for SEC’s Shift

The SEC’s decision to engage with the industry through these roundtables has been welcomed by many in the crypto space.

Industry leaders see it as a positive step towards creating a stable regulatory environment that encourages both innovation and investment in the sector.

Peirce’s comments on the SEC’s new direction were met with optimism, as stakeholders have long called for greater clarity and less uncertainty in the regulatory landscape.

Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda’s commitment to transparency in regulatory actions further bolsters this shift, emphasising the importance of clear guidelines over enforcement.

The SEC’s move is also seen in the broader context of evolving crypto policies under the Biden administration, which has placed a strong emphasis on regulation and innovation in the digital asset sector.

As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, all eyes are on the SEC’s roundtables, with the hope that these discussions will lead to practical solutions that benefit both the crypto industry and the wider financial system.