SEC Launches Crypto Roundtables to Discuss Regulation Changes

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is launching a series of public roundtables titled “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity.” These events are aimed at bringing regulators, legal experts, and industry leaders together to tackle the challenges surrounding cryptocurrency regulations. The first session, How We Got Here and How We Get Out – Defining Security Status, is scheduled for March 21 and will be open to the public.

Defining Crypto's Legal Status

A major topic of the series is determining whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as securities or commodities. The decision has far-reaching consequences for the industry, as it influences which agency will oversee digital assets and what regulations will apply.

Industry experts participating in the discussion include:

• Miles Jennings, General Counsel at Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division, specializing in regulatory policy.

• Collins Belton, Managing Partner at Brookwood P.C., offering legal insights for crypto businesses.

• Dr. Chris Brummer, a digital asset law professor at Georgetown Law, with in-depth knowledge of financial regulations.

Their input is expected to provide regulators with valuable perspectives on creating clear and practical guidelines for the evolving crypto market.

Policy Expectations Under the Trump Administration

With the Trump administration beginning its second term, there is speculation that the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies could become more industry-friendly. Many insiders hope that the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) will take a greater role in regulating digital assets, as it has traditionally maintained a more lenient approach compared to the SEC.

Under previous SEC leadership, particularly former Chair Gary Gensler, the agency pursued aggressive enforcement, launching 125 cases against crypto firms. However, enforcement activity dropped by 30% in Gensler’s final year, according to Cornerstone Research. Meanwhile, the CFTC initiated 58 enforcement actions in 2024, focusing primarily on fraud cases rather than broad regulatory crackdowns.

A Collaborative Approach to Regulation

The roundtables are intended to foster dialogue between regulators and industry leaders. SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, who has long advocated for a more transparent regulatory approach, expressed her optimism about the initiative.

“The roundtables are a key part of our engagement with the public. I look forward to drawing on their expertise to shape a workable regulatory framework for crypto,” Peirce said.

The goal is to find balanced solutions that protect investors while supporting innovation in the rapidly growing crypto sector.

SEC Scales Back on Enforcement Actions

Following Gensler’s departure, the SEC has stepped back from its previous wave of enforcement. Recent lawsuits against major crypto companies such as Coinbase, OpenSea, Uniswap Labs, Robinhood, and Kraken have been withdrawn. This shift signals a more collaborative and constructive approach to regulatory oversight.

The SEC’s willingness to engage with the crypto community indicates a shift toward creating more practical regulations that foster industry growth while maintaining necessary protections.

Future of U.S. Crypto Regulations

The outcomes of the SEC’s roundtables could play a significant role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. Industry stakeholders will have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of policy through constructive dialogue.

For continued updates on the SEC’s roundtable series and other crypto regulatory developments, follow iShookFinance.com — your reliable source for finance news and insights.

Also Read: Ripple Labs Wins as SEC Drops Appeal Over Crypto Regulation