SEC’s New Crypto Task Force Signals Shift in Regulatory Approach

The SEC has launched a dedicated crypto task force, signaling a shift in regulatory approach under new leadership.

Spearheaded by Commissioner Hester Peirce, the initiative aims to clarify which digital assets qualify as securities, streamline registration processes, and provide clearer guidelines for approving or rejecting exchange-traded products.

Peirce emphasized that one of the key objectives is determining which tokens can be classified as non-securities. She also suggested that the SEC might explore temporary relief measures for certain token issuers, provided they disclose key information, maintain transparency, and acknowledge the agency’s jurisdiction in fraud-related cases.

Collaboration will be central to the task force’s efforts, with Peirce calling on industry participants—whether builders, investors, or critics—to contribute to shaping regulatory policies. The SEC also plans to work alongside state regulators and international counterparts to refine its stance on crypto.

This initiative follows the appointment of Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, who took over after Gary Gensler’s departure. Gensler had pushed for strict oversight, arguing that most cryptocurrencies fall under securities laws. His approach sparked resistance from the crypto industry, which argued that existing regulations were outdated and impractical for digital assets.

The task force has also brought in former Coin Center Policy Director Landon Zinda as a senior advisor, reflecting an effort to incorporate diverse perspectives into its policy-making process.