Commissioner Hester Peirce leads new roundtable on digital assets
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expanding its focus on cryptocurrency oversight, with its crypto task force set to host a public roundtable on financial surveillance and privacy on October 17, 2025.
The initiative, spearheaded by Commissioner Hester Peirce, marks the sixth roundtable since the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, as the regulator reassesses its approach to digital asset markets.
Focus on Privacy and Surveillance Tools
“Understanding recent developments in privacy-protecting tools will assist the SEC and other financial regulators as we work on policy solutions in the crypto space,” said Peirce in the announcement.
The SEC’s task force has been conducting a series of 10 roundtables nationwide between August and December 2025, aiming to gather insights from industry leaders, developers, and compliance experts.
Proposed Rule Changes
Alongside the discussions, the SEC has recently introduced proposed rule modifications that could reshape how U.S. crypto firms operate. These include:
- “Exemptions and safe harbors” for certain crypto asset offerings and sales.
- Adjustments to broker-dealer financial responsibility rules, potentially reducing compliance burdens for U.S.-based crypto companies.
Such measures indicate a shift away from strict enforcement and toward collaborative policymaking.
A Softer Regulatory Stance Emerging
Since early 2025, both the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have appeared to ease their enforcement-heavy approach, dropping several lawsuits and investigations against crypto firms.
The CFTC, now led solely by Acting Chair Caroline Pham, has stated it will align closely with the White House’s broader digital asset strategy.
Recent joint announcements by the SEC and CFTC suggest:
- Exploration of 24/7 capital markets.
- New regulations for crypto derivatives.
- A coordinated framework for spot crypto trading.
These initiatives align with the recommendations issued by the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets in July 2025.
Upcoming Legislation Could Redefine Oversight
However, the long-term regulatory landscape may depend on Congressional action. The U.S. Senate is currently advancing the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, a market structure bill that could clarify the roles of the SEC and CFTC.
According to Senator Cynthia Lummis, the legislation could become law before 2026, setting the foundation for how digital assets are classified, traded, and regulated in the U.S.
The SEC’s October roundtable could be pivotal in shaping how privacy and financial surveillance are balanced in the crypto sector. With regulators signaling a softer approach, the discussion may open the door for more innovation-friendly policies while ensuring consumer protection.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.