The US has been at the forefront of the crypto race, making the country crypto-friendly with new initiatives and regulations. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is contributing to this shift by withdrawing cases against several crypto firms, including Ripple Labs.
The commission’s Crypto Task Force has gained momentum since its launch in January 2025. The Crypto Task Force is currently making significant strides by conducting a nationwide tour to engage crypto startups across the country’s rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.
Crypto Task Force is a unit under the SEC created to oversee digital asset activities in the US and to enhance compliance with securities laws.
Hester Peirce leads the SEC Crypto Task Force
Commissioner Hester Peirce, a vocal advocate for regulatory clarity in the crypto industry, has been tasked with leading the Crypto Task Force. The nationwide tour will give attendees from major cities the opportunity to participate in a discussion with Hester Peirce. The tour also includes roundtables to directly interact with crypto startups and entrepreneurs.
The crypto tour will cover major cities like Chicago, New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas, and more. Besides Peirce, other crypto advocates and experts are also part of the Crypto Task Force’s tour, helping companies to overcome hurdles.
What does the SEC Crypto Task Force aim to achieve with the tour?
- The SEC wants to hear from grassroots crypto startups, developers, and entrepreneurs who are usually overlooked.
- The commission’s tour also intends to lower barriers to engagement; instead of projects coming to the SEC, the Task Force is traveling to them.
- It also discusses real-world challenges faced by startups, compliance burdens, registration, and innovation constraints.
- Crypto Task Force team aims to clarify on classification of digital assets as securities or non-securities.
- The team intends to promote transparency and neutral oversight over crypto companies. They do not endorse any projects; instead listen before acting.
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Hester Peirce denies OpenVPP’s claim
OpenVPP, an energy token startup, claimed that it was “working alongside” the commissioner Peirce on a project. They even posted a photo of their CEO, Parth Kapadia, with Peirce. However, the commissioner denied the claim, saying that being in photos at public events does not mean that she is promoting the project.
Also, the SEC’s X post clearly read: “Please note that an invitation to participate in one of these meetings does not serve as an endorsement of the project or any affiliate(s) of the project.”
The Crypto Task Force’s nationwide tour highlights the country’s fast pace of growth in the crypto industry. From the days when President Donald Trump openly criticized crypto to now, when he has shifted to a supportive stance, the sector has seen steady progress. As the Crypto Task Force led by Hester Peirce engages closely with crypto entrepreneurs and startups, more companies are likely to enter the market. Moreover, the supportive environment in the U.S. could strengthen investor confidence.
