TLDR
- SEC Crypto Task Force will host “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity” roundtables starting March 21
- First discussion focuses on “Defining Security Status” of digital assets
- The task force was launched by Acting Chair Mark Uyeda in January to develop clear crypto regulations
- 14-member team includes former crypto industry professionals like Michael Selig and Landon Zinda
- SEC has recently dropped lawsuits against crypto companies, marking a shift from Biden-era enforcement
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking a fresh approach to crypto regulation with the announcement of its upcoming “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity” roundtable series.
The first event, scheduled for March 21 at SEC headquarters in Washington, D.C., will focus on “How We Got Here and How We Get Out — Defining Security Status” of digital assets.
This initiative marks a clear shift in the SEC’s stance toward the crypto industry. Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda launched the Crypto Task Force in late January, fulfilling one of President Donald Trump’s promises to ease regulatory pressure on the sector.
The task force aims to develop a workable framework for crypto companies. Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the group, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “I am looking forward to drawing on the expertise of the public in developing a workable regulatory framework for crypto.”
The SEC recently announced the 14 members of its Crypto Task Force. The team brings together longtime SEC staff and new members with industry experience.
Michael Selig was named as the task force’s chief counsel. Before joining the SEC, Selig was a partner at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he advised crypto, NFT, and stablecoin companies.
Another key appointment is Landon Zinda, who previously served as policy director at Coin Center, a crypto advocacy organization. Zinda has joined the task force as a senior adviser.
The task force also includes Sumeera Younis as operations chief. Younis previously worked as policy counsel for Commissioner Peirce.
Richard Gabbert, another former counsel to Peirce, has taken on the role of chief of staff for the task force. Taylor Asher, who previously advised Acting Chair Uyeda, is now the group’s chief policy adviser.
Open to the Public
The March 21 roundtable will be open to the public from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. This session will be streamed live on the SEC’s website, with recordings made available afterward.
Attendees will have the chance to join unbroadcast small group breakout discussions. This format aims to gather diverse perspectives on how to define when digital assets qualify as securities.
The “security status” question has been at the center of many crypto regulatory battles. Clarifying this definition could resolve a key point of tension between the SEC and crypto companies.
This new approach stands in contrast to the SEC’s earlier enforcement actions under the Biden administration. The agency has recently dropped several lawsuits against crypto companies.
On March 3, the SEC abandoned its lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange Kraken. This move follows a pattern of the agency stepping back from aggressive enforcement actions.
Chris Giancarlo, former CFTC chair and senior counsel at Willkie, congratulated Selig on his appointment in a social media post. Giancarlo, known as “Crypto Dad” for his crypto-friendly stance, called Selig “my protégé.”
The task force aims to balance regulatory rigor with industry needs. It will work on establishing clear guidelines while providing realistic paths to registration for crypto companies.
Members of the public can contact the task force directly. The SEC has created a dedicated portal for meeting requests and communications with the group.
The Commission plans to post more details about the roundtable’s agenda and speakers on its website soon. This information will help interested parties prepare for the discussion.
The task force will also coordinate with other government regulators. This collaboration aims to create clear definitions of securities and non-securities in the crypto space.
