#SECCryptoRoundtable

SEC Holds First Cryptocurrency Roundtable to Shape Future Regulations

On March 21, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hosted its first cryptocurrency roundtable, marking a significant step in regulating digital assets. The event gathered legal experts, former SEC officials, and industry leaders to discuss a regulatory framework that balances innovation with investor protection.

During the discussion, Miles Jennings, general counsel at a16z Crypto, criticized the SEC’s previous regulatory approach, arguing that it neither protected investors nor promoted efficient markets. He called for a more effective strategy that fosters sustainable growth in the crypto sector.

Conversely, John Reed Stark, former director of the SEC’s Office of Internet Enforcement, opposed any modifications to existing securities laws for cryptocurrencies. Stark maintained that digital assets should comply with current regulations to ensure investor safety.

Commissioner Hester Peirce, head of the SEC’s Cryptoasset Working Group, described the roundtable as part of a "reconfiguration" of the agency’s regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. She emphasized the importance of creating a framework that encourages innovation while maintaining investor protections.

This roundtable is the first in a planned series of discussions aimed at addressing regulatory uncertainties in the crypto market. The SEC hopes these initiatives will establish clear guidelines, enabling responsible industry growth while safeguarding market participants.

Both regulators and the crypto community anticipate that these conversations will lead to balanced policies that support innovation and enhance investor confidence.