SEC to explore DeFi tokenization and custody rules at June 9 roundtable in Washington, D.C.
BlackRock and SegMint join SEC talks on NFT assets and DeFi compliance frameworks.
SEC aims to align DeFi platforms with U.S. law while ensuring investor protection and market integrity.
A dedicated roundtable hosted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will examine decentralized finance (DeFi) on June 9, specifically focusing on tokenization and asset custody. The "DeFi and the American Spirit" session will occur at the SEC headquarters in Washington, D.C. along with a live webcast option for remote access.
The SEC Crypto Task Force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce will organize this event which will be its fifth dedicated roundtable with SEC Chair Paul Atkins making remarks.
Focus on Legal Clarity and DeFi Structure
The roundtable discussion will investigate the methods through which DeFi protocols and platforms can align with current legal standards. The discussion will focus on smart contracts functionalities as well as tokenized asset management alongside the functioning of decentralized financial systems.
Legal experts, developers, and regulatory officials will explore how DeFi applications can integrate within established laws without stifling innovation.
Moreover, the SEC will review how decentralized systems define responsibilities in trading and custody, and whether those roles are subject to current securities laws. Regulatory guidance should evolve based on these discussions which target blockchain-based financial models used by firms.
The Commission plans to work directly with DeFi developers to gain firsthand insight into the functioning of these technologies in practical applications.
Industry Engagement Signals Regulatory Collaboration
Recent engagement with firms such as SegMint and BlackRock underscores the SEC’s intent to involve major industry players in the rulemaking process. SegMint is expected to provide insights into its NFT-based fractional ownership model, which links digital certificates to real-world assets including luxury watches and collectibles.
The firm is also reviewing how current securities laws apply to its offerings and whether regulatory exemptions might be required.
Following meetings with the SEC, BlackRock has shown increased interest in how DeFi platforms manage trading operations and compliance. These discussions exemplify how institutions are increasingly playing a role in developing blockchain regulation. The SEC works to enhance regulatory clarity through its methods by collecting a wide range of input from market participants.
Balancing Investor Protection and Technological Growth
The SEC’s roundtable will also address growing concerns around custody, fraud prevention, and market integrity within decentralized platforms. Since more and more companies are using blockchain and regular assets together, it is important for us to set clear standards for tokenization and storage. The agency will study how it is possible for investor protection and decentralized finance to be used together.
Chair Atkins has noted the importance of providing actionable guidance while ensuring the agency operates efficiently amid recent staffing changes. Despite a reduced headcount, the SEC has maintained its oversight and public engagement.
The June 9 roundtable is expected to be a pivotal step in understanding how blockchain technology continues to reshape financial services in the United States.