SEC Launches Crypto Task Force as Trump Administration Shifts Regulatory Approach

The SEC has launched a new cryptocurrency task force, signaling a significant shift in regulatory strategy just after President Donald Trump's inauguration and the resignation of Gary Gensler as SEC chair.
Hester Peirce, nicknamed “crypto-mom” for her pro-crypto stance, will lead the initiative, aiming to create clear guidelines for the cryptocurrency industry and move away from the enforcement-heavy approach of previous administrations.
Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda emphasized the need for practical registration frameworks and transparent rules, addressing criticisms of the agency’s past practices. The task force, known as Crypto 2.0, will collaborate with other federal bodies like the CFTC and focus on balancing innovation with regulatory compliance.
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Peirce, known for her proposed “safe harbor” for blockchain projects, will steer efforts to define which tokens qualify as securities and establish clear compliance pathways. Advisors Richard Gabbert and Taylor Asher will support these efforts, alongside planned industry roundtables and legal reviews.
The announcement comes as the SEC seeks to rebuild trust with the crypto sector, which faced intense scrutiny during the Biden administration, especially after FTX’s collapse. While President Trump has yet to comment on cryptocurrency since his inauguration, his administration is expected to introduce new rules, potentially including the establishment of a federal Bitcoin reserve.