Led by the Crypto Task Force, these roundtables were announced shortly after Commissioner Paul Atkins revealed the new initiative. The SEC intends to build a more inclusive and regulatory-friendly environment within the crypto ecosystem. Priority will be given to projects that have fewer than ten employees and have been operating for less than two years. 

The first meeting will be held on August 4 in Berkeley, California. Additional sessions will follow on August 19 in Boston and September 4 in Dallas. Chicago and New York will host the next roundtables on September 15 and September 25, respectively. 

Small Projects Take the Spotlight at SEC Roundtables 

In the past, SEC roundtables primarily featured major players like BlackRock and Fidelity. This time, however, the focus shifts to less recognized startups. 

Commissioner Hester Peirce stated that the agency wants to hear from those who haven’t previously participated in policymaking. The goal is to ensure new regulatory frameworks are suitable not only for large corporations but also for small and innovative teams. 

Meanwhile, Project Crypto also addresses foundational regulatory issues, such as the classification of digital assets and the registration of crypto products. Additionally, the SEC is working toward transitioning U.S. financial markets to on-chain infrastructures. 

Three more meetings are scheduled in October: Irvine on the 3rd, Cleveland on the 24th, and Scottsdale on the 29th. The final two roundtables will take place on November 12 in New York and December 5 in Ann Arbor. 

Project Crypto Signals a New Era in SEC’s Approach to Web3 

With Project Crypto, the SEC demonstrates a more open approach toward the digital asset ecosystem. Through this initiative, the agency aims to deepen engagement with industry stakeholders across the country. Meanwhile, FED member Kugler announced that she will resign on August 8

These upcoming sessions offer critical opportunities for voices left out of prior regulatory processes. They also help democratize future policy development. 

Ultimately, the SEC is using Project Crypto as a platform to reshape its relationship with the crypto sector—one roundtable at a time.

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SEC Chairman Paul Atkins described this move as the beginning of a new era for crypto markets. According to Atkins, the change will lower costs and bring greater efficiency for ETF issuers and investors alike. 

Previously, only cash-based transactions were allowed. Now, authorized participants can use digital assets directly when creating or redeeming ETF shares. This shift reduces pressure on the market and allows for smoother, more cost-effective operations. 

What Does the New System Offer? Greater Efficiency in Crypto ETFs 

Jamie Selway, Director of the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets, said the in-kind mechanism provides flexibility and cost advantages for fund issuers. Additionally, funds can now operate without having to sell crypto assets, which helps minimize tax burdens. 

To recall, the SEC approved spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs back in 2024, but limited them to cash-based processes. Since then, the crypto industry has consistently called for in-kind options. 

Just last month, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce acknowledged the demand during her speech at the Bitcoin Policy Institute conference. In short, this regulatory move marks a long-anticipated shift within the crypto sector. 

Meanwhile, recent developments in Congress have also accelerated this transition. Lawmakers passed three major crypto-related bills addressing market structure, stablecoin regulations, and opposition to a surveillance-driven central bank digital currency (CBDC). These legislative changes align with the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance. 

Growing Demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs 

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded over $6.6 billion in inflows across the last 12 trading days. According to Bitbo data, these funds now hold approximately 1.298 million BTC — valued at around $152.1 billion. 

On the Ethereum side, BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF has gained attention for its rapid growth. The fund surpassed $10 billion in assets in just 251 days, becoming the third-fastest ETF to reach that milestone. 

In summary, with SEC approval of in-kind transactions, crypto ETFs enter a new chapter. This rule not only boosts efficiency but also supports broader regulatory reform across the digital asset landscape.

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SEC Declares Protocol Staking Is Not a Securities Transaction

In a May 29 announcement, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance stated that protocol staking activities on proof-of-stake blockchains “do not require registration under the Securities Act.” This means that staking, as a blockchain function, is not considered a securities offering.

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Alison Mangiero, head of staking policy at the Crypto Council for Innovation, called the development a “major step forward” for the crypto industry. “The SEC has now recognized what we’ve long argued — staking is fundamental to blockchain operation, not an investment contract,” she said.

Path Opens for Staking ETFs

The industry has long demanded clearer staking regulations. In April, the Proof of Stake Alliance submitted a detailed letter to the SEC, explaining that both custodial and non-custodial staking services are distinct from traditional investment contracts.

While the SEC recently delayed its decision on Bitwise’s Ether ETH staking ETF, analysts believe this guidance significantly improves the likelihood of approval by late 2025.

A Notable Shift in Regulatory Tone

This guidance reflects a shift away from the SEC’s previous enforcement-heavy stance. Marcin Kazmierczak of RedStone described it as an “evolutionary step,” noting that the foundation is being laid for a more structured and inclusive regulatory framework.

Since January, the SEC’s dedicated Crypto Task Force — led by Commissioner Hester Peirce — has been working on regulatory reports expected in the coming months.

Mangiero concluded, “We’ve consistently argued staking is not an investment — it’s how blockchains function. This guidance is meaningful recognition of that fact.”

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A New Era for Crypto Under Paul Atkins

The SEC-hosted meeting explored the connection between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Major players like Fidelity, Nasdaq, and BlackRock attended. Atkins highlighted past regulatory pressures on the crypto sector. “Innovation has been stifled by uncertainties,” he said, promising clear and innovative rules. 

Paul Atkins Vision 

Paul Atkins aims to create a rational regulatory framework for crypto, boosting investor confidence and accelerating institutional participation. Specific regulations for leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are planned, alongside updates to custody rules and potential exemptions. 

Hester Peirce, speaking at the event, supported Atkins’ vision. “The crypto sector deserves clear rules,” she said. Companies like Kraken and BitGo warned that regulatory uncertainty could push innovation abroad. Atkins committed to addressing these concerns swiftly. 

Key Quotes from Paul Atkins Speech 

•  “My priority is to establish a rational regulatory infrastructure for crypto. A logical and robust framework for crypto assets will enhance individual investor confidence and accelerate institutional participation.” 
•  “Market participants engaging with this technology deserve a clear path and regulatory rules. Innovation has stumbled due to regulatory uncertainty. A new day has begun at the SEC.” 
•  “We want to make the U.S. a global leader in digital assets. New regulations will prioritize Bitcoin and other leading cryptocurrencies.” 
• “We may update custody rules. Additionally, we aim to bring dynamism to the market by considering exemption options under appropriate conditions.” 

During his campaign, Trump promised to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world.” Atkins’ SEC chairmanship is seen as a significant step toward this vision. However, achieving this goal will require close collaboration with industry stakeholders and Congress. Additionally, Atkins’ past consultancy with FTX has sparked debates about impartiality. 

In conclusion, Paul Atkins SEC leadership offers a fresh start for the U.S. crypto market. Clear regulations could strengthen the sector and position the U.S. as a global leader. However, coordinated efforts between the industry and government are essential for concrete progress. 

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Speaking at the SEC “Know Your Custodian” roundtable event on April 25, Peirce said, “It’s time to end this game. We need to turn on the lights and build walkways over the lava pit.”

Peirce explained that due to regulatory uncertainty, SEC-registered firms are forced to avoid direct engagement with crypto-related activities.

Investment Advisers Move Through Uncertainty

Peirce noted that investment advisers often do not know which crypto assets qualify as securities, which entities are considered qualified custodians, and whether “staking or exercising voting rights” would trigger custody violations.

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“In this regulatory game, if they misstep, they fall into burning legal lava—with no lamp to light the way,” she said.

Peirce also emphasized that brokers or alternative trading systems (ATS) that cannot custody or manage crypto assets will find it nearly impossible to facilitate trading, hindering the development of a strong market.

Signs of Change Within the SEC

SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for SEC registrants to access custodial solutions that meet legal requirements. Uyeda suggested allowing advisers to use state-chartered limited-purpose trust companies as qualified custodians.

Newly appointed SEC Chair Paul Atkins added that blockchain technology could bring “huge benefits” in efficiency, risk mitigation, transparency, and cost reduction. He stated that one of his main goals is to create “clear, fit-for-purpose regulatory rules” for digital assets, addressing the uncertainty left from former chair Gary Gensler’s tenure.

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Immutable had previously disclosed receiving a Wells notice from the SEC in November 2024, signaling a potential enforcement action related to the listing and private sales of its native IMX token in 2021. However, the regulator has now decided to close the case, marking another shift in the SEC’s evolving crypto regulation approach under Acting Chair Mark Uyeda.

Regulatory Clarity for Web3 and Gaming

Immutable’s co-founder and president, Robbie Ferguson, expressed optimism about this decision, calling it a “significant milestone” for both the crypto industry and gaming sector. He added that with growing regulatory clarity, Immutable plans to accelerate efforts to expand digital ownership for over 3.1 billion gamers worldwide.

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The SEC declined to comment on the matter, maintaining its standard stance of not confirming or denying the existence of investigations.

SEC’s Shift in Crypto Regulation

This development is part of a broader trend, as the SEC has recently dropped investigations into several major crypto companies, including:

• Crypto exchange Gemini
• Trading platform Robinhood
• NFT marketplace OpenSea
• Yuga Labs (BAYC NFT creators)

Additionally, litigation against crypto firms such as Kraken, Coinbase, Ripple, ConsenSys, and Cumberland DRW has been dropped, while cases involving Tron and Binance have been paused.

This shift aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration, which has brought a regulatory overhaul in favor of a more structured and transparent crypto framework. The SEC has established a Crypto Task Force, led by crypto-friendly Commissioner Hester Peirce, to conduct roundtable discussions with industry players.

Ongoing Crypto Investigations

Despite these dismissals, not all crypto companies are off the hook. Unicoin remains under review, facing potential fraud and unregistered securities allegations. Similarly, Crypto.com, which previously received a Wells notice and sued the SEC and former Chair Gary Gensler, has not publicly updated the status of its investigation.

These ongoing cases highlight that while the SEC’s stance on crypto is evolving, enforcement actions have not completely disappeared.

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SEC Commission Majority Approves Lawsuit

According to the report, the SEC’s five commissioners held a vote on whether to sue Elon Musk. Four commissioners voted in favor of the lawsuit, while Mark Uyeda, the acting chair, cast the only dissenting vote. Uyeda was appointed as acting chair by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. Additionally, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce also voted in favor of suing Musk along with three other commissioners.

What Are the Allegations Against Musk?

In the lawsuit filed on January 14, the SEC claimed that Elon Musk failed to disclose his purchase of Twitter shares within the required 10-day window after exceeding the 5% ownership threshold. The agency alleges that Musk delayed the disclosure by 11 days, allowing him to continue buying shares at lower prices, which resulted in an estimated $150 million advantage.

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Elon Musk‘s lawyer, Alex Spiro, rejected the SEC‘s allegations, stating that the agency’s action was an admission that it could not bring an actual case. Meanwhile, Musk referred to the SEC as a “totally broken organization” on social media platform X, arguing that “so many actual crimes” go unpunished.

DOGE Agency and New Investigation Requests

One month after the lawsuit was filed, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a U.S. government agency led by Musk, turned its attention to the SEC. On February 17, a DOGE-affiliated account called on the public to report any “waste, fraud, and abuse” within the SEC. Musk also shared this post with his 200 million+ followers on X.

Court filings indicate that Elon Musk has until April 4 to respond to the lawsuit. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for a review of politically motivated investigations within the SEC and other federal agencies under the previous administration.

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In a February 25 X post, Uniswap stated that the SEC had concluded its probe and would not pursue any enforcement action. This announcement follows reports that Uniswap received a Wells Notice from the SEC in April 2024, during the tenure of then-Chair Gary Gensler.

Uniswap described the move as “a huge win for DeFi,” emphasizing that their technology aligns with legal frameworks and their work stands on “the right side of history.”

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Is the SEC Shifting Its Stance on Crypto Regulation?

In February, the SEC held meetings with representatives from various firms, suggesting possible changes in crypto regulations. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the commission’s crypto regulatory efforts, stated that the agency should wait for a Senate-confirmed chair before charting a new regulatory course.

However, with the closure of investigations into Uniswap, Coinbase, and Robinhood Crypto, it appears that the SEC is rapidly changing its approach to crypto enforcement. Some experts suggest that all pending cases, including the ongoing appeal against Ripple Labs, could be paused or withdrawn altogether.

Notably, before U.S. President Donald Trump took office, reports indicated that the SEC was considering freezing all crypto enforcement cases that did not involve fraud. Under Project 2025, the Trump administration aims to “remove regulatory impediments” at the SEC, further signaling a shift in the commission’s stance toward digital assets.

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As reports surfaced that TRUMP token investors have lost a total of $2 billion, Peirce emphasized that most memecoins are not subject to SEC regulation.

TRUMP Token Investors Lose Over $2 Billion

On the same day as Peirce’s statement, The New York Times published a report highlighting the massive losses incurred by TRUMP token investors.

According to data from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, at least 813,000 wallets suffered a total loss of $2 billion after purchasing TRUMP tokens.

Launched on January 17, TRUMP token surged to $72.60 on January 19 before plummeting 80%. CoinGecko data shows that the token’s market capitalization dropped from $14.5 billion to $3 billion.

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However, during this period, the Trump Organization and its partners reportedly earned over $100 million in trading fees.

Memecoins Should Be Viewed as “Digital Collectibles”

Memecoins are generally inspired by internet jokes, pop culture references, and celebrity figures. Unlike Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH), which are associated with technological advancements, memecoins primarily rely on community support and celebrity endorsements.

Peirce asserted that the SEC is not the appropriate regulatory body for memecoins, suggesting that the matter should be handled by Congress or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

ETF Store President Nate Geraci supported Peirce’s perspective, stating that memecoins are more akin to digital collectibles.

Meanwhile, macroeconomist Lyn Alden compared the memecoin frenzy to past trends such as Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), emphasizing that these assets often experience speculative surges and crashes.

“Having observed the crypto space since 2017, I see the same cycles repeating,” Alden stated.

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Additionally, one of the senior lawyers from the team has been removed from the SEC’s enforcement division. According to sources, some employees view this move as an unfair demotion. An SEC spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

Is a Softer Approach to Crypto Coming?

This development comes just after SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce outlined a new regulatory approach to the crypto markets. Peirce stated that the SEC had previously taken an overly aggressive stance on crypto enforcement and suggested that “retroactive relief” might be provided for certain token sales.

Last year, the SEC filed 33 crypto-related enforcement actions, targeting 90 defendants and respondents.

Are SEC Policies Changing Under the Trump Administration?

These recent changes are part of a broader leadership shake-up that has accelerated since U.S. President Donald Trump took office on January 20.

In October 2024, the SEC’s chief enforcement officer, Gurbir Grewal, stepped down. His replacement, Sanjay Wadhwa, left the agency just months later on January 31.

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Meanwhile, former SEC Chair Gary Gensler resigned on January 20. These shifts have fueled speculation that the SEC may adopt a more lenient stance on crypto regulation.

What’s Next for SEC’s Crypto Policy?

The SEC’s latest moves have sparked significant debate in the crypto space. With expectations rising for a less aggressive regulatory approach, investors are closely watching how the agency will shape its future policies.

Uncertainty continues in the crypto world, and the SEC’s next steps remain highly anticipated.

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