The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is hosting four roundtables in the near future, covering some crucial points in the cryptocurrency space, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and asset tokenization. Also seeking to inspire constructive discussion between regulators, lawyers, and leaders of the crypto industry, these sessions are scheduled from April until June of 2025.
It seeks comment on regulatory gaps that might exist and possible regulatory frameworks for providing investor protection without impeding the development of accurate and innovative technology. The move signals increasing regulatory scrutiny as adoption of digital assets continues to rise and builds on the SEC’s pledge to more clearly delineate how cryptocurrencies will be treated under the law.
A Spring Sprint For Crypto Clarity
The first session, which took place in Washington, D.C., on March 21, 2025, was named “How We Got Here and How We Get Out—Defining Security Status.” SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce described the venture as a “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity,” with the commission’s drive towards clarification of how digital assets ought to be classified under existing securities laws at its heart. This is part of a broader web of increasing criticism the SEC has faced for regulatory uncertainty in the crypto industry, especially related to token classifications.
Token Classification From Different Angles
In its opening session, Miles Jennings, the general counsel for a16z crypto, criticized the SEC’s historical approach to digital assets, claiming it had failed to protect investors or enhance capital formation properly. He called for a technology-neutral approach, encouraging the SEC to make a distinction between platforms such as Ethereum and traditional equities. On the other hand, Democratic Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw voiced unease over possibly watering down existing investor protections by creating separate regulatory frameworks to deal with cryptocurrencies.
Topics and Shedule for Future Roundtables
For the upcoming roundtables, the SEC has set the following topics and dates:
April 11, 2025: “Between a Block and a Hard Place: Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading”
April 25, 2025: “Know Your Custodian: Key Considerations for Crypto Custody”
May 12, 2025: “Tokenization — Moving Assets Onchain: Between TradFi And DeFi”
June 6, 2025: “DeFi and the American Spirit”
With an in-person presence in Washington, D.C., and live streaming for all plenary sessions.
In October 2023, we saw more developments in the SEC’s position on mining, especially in relation to Proof-of-Work mechanisms.
Separately, on March 20, 2025, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance released a statement indicating that certain proof-of-work (PoW) mining activities do not involve securities transactions. This clarification is a relief to miners who had been anxious about the regulatory implications and shows the SEC’s attempt to clearly define its jurisdiction over different activities in the crypto space.
Ripple Labs Settles with SEC
Ripple Labs Settlement: Ripple Labz announced, on June 25, 2025, a settlement with the U.S. SEC and paid a $50 million lesser fine over claims that Ripple sold unregistered securities through XRP tokens. The resolution brings an end to a high-profile legal fight that began in 2020 and has garnered widespread attention across the industry. Legal experts say the outcome may impact how future enforcement actions against crypto firms are handled, especially if they regard defining whether specific tokens are securities.
Nominate Paul Atkins
Former SEC commissioner Paul Atkins, known as a deregulatory advocate, has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the new SEC chair. Atkins’ confirmation hearing to be on March 27, 2025. His nomination marks a potential pivot toward a more crypto-friendly regulatory approach.
Top Cryptocurrencies 2023: Today’s Crypto Prices, Market Cap, Cap Rank, Charts
Let’s take a look at some key aspects of the cryptocurrency market as of March 26, 2025:
Bitcoin (BTC): Currently priced at $88,179, a 2.02% increase from the previous close.
Ethereum (ETH): $2,072.11 ↑ 0.835%.
Ripple (XRP): Priced at $2.46 +1.653 %
Price Predictions for Leading Cryptocurrencies
Analysts have provided the following projections for key cryptocurrencies:
| Cryptocurrency | 2025 Year-End Prediction | 2026 Year-End Prediction |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $100,000 | $120,000 |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $2,500 | $3,000 |
| Ripple (XRP) | $3.00 | $3.50 |
Disclaimer: These forecasts are for speculation and are subject to market volatility
Conclusion
The SEC’s aggressive strategy—manifested in the genesis of its Crypto Task Force and forthcoming workshops with industry players—is an indication that the agency is moving toward cooperative regulation. By listening directly to smart lawyers, innovative developers, and participants in the marketplace, the Commission seeks to ensure it derives rules that are practical, market-oriented, and enforceable, while also maintaining investor protection.
These efforts represent a response to increasing pressure for regulatory clarity as digital assets grow rapidly. This participatory methodology may influence long-term policy direction in regard to DeFi, tokenization, and custody, among other things.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the SEC’s Crypto Task Force looking to do?
Target areas of clarification on DeFi, tokenization, and investor protection will be explored in a series of public roundtables and expert discussions conducted by the Task Force in a bid to engage with regulators on crypto guidelines.
2. What is the significance of the SEC roundtables for the crypto industry?
They offer a forum for legal experts and stakeholders to influence fair, transparent crypto regulation and resolve key questions such as custody and classification.
3. What will these talks mean for DeFi and token projects?
New rules will likely impact compliance and registration processes for projects, and publish operational transparency for projects that facilitate legal clarity and institutional adoption.
4. Will all tokens ever be declared securities by the SEC?
Not necessarily. The stakes are to decide where the line is between utility tokens and securities tokens as it relates to the use of technology, how decentralized an asset is, and whether how the market functions matters in classification decisions.
Glossary of Key Terms
1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi, year2022)
A decentralized financial ecosystem built using blockchain technology that enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries, using smart contracts and distributed power to facilitate lending, trading, and staking for its users.
2. Tokenization
The process of transferring real-world or digital assets (such as stocks, real estate, or data) onto blockchain-based tokens that can be traded, tracked, or used in DeFi
3. Security (context of crypto)
A digital asset that satisfies each of the necessities of the Howey Test, specifically that it requires an expenditure of cash with a hope of profit predicated on the efforts of others.
4. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC, September 2023)
A U.S. federal agency that administers and enforces laws on securities markets. It is now a big player in the regulation of cryptocurrencies, with a focus on tokens and DeFi platforms.
5. Crypto Custody
This refers to the ”safekeeping” of digital assets. SEC will now look into the regulatory aspects of it, as custody solutions are critical for institutional investors.
6. Proof-of-Work (PoW)
Consensus algorithm used by blockchains such as Bitcoin, in which miners solve complex math problems to validate transactions and receive a reward. Reassessed its regulatory classification recently.
7. Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
NFT: Non-fungible token. The SEC is determining whether NFTs are covered by current S.E.C. securities laws.
8. Roundtable — (regulatory context)
Formal gatherings of experts, regulators, and stakeholders organized around specific crypto-related topics to inform future policies and regulatory approaches.
