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The US Securities and Exchange Commission\u2019s (SEC) crypto task force held its first public meeting on Friday, focusing on how existing securities laws might apply to digital assets. <\/p>\n
The discussion comes as the Trump administration explores changes to cryptocurrency regulations.<\/p>\n
Participants included John Reed Stark, former chief of the SEC\u2019s Office of Internet Enforcement; Miles Jennings, general counsel for Andreessen Horowitz\u2019s crypto arm, a16z; and former SEC Commissioner Troy Paredes. Republican SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce is heading the task force<\/a>, which is responsible for shaping new rules and guidance for the crypto industry.<\/p>\n \u201cSpring signifies new beginnings and we have a new beginning here, a restart of the commission\u2019s approach to crypto regulation,\u201d Peirce said.<\/p>\n The crypto industry has long been at odds with regulators over how federal securities laws apply to digital assets. Many in the industry argue that crypto tokens function more like commodities than securities. If classified as securities, tokens would require firms to register with the SEC and provide disclosures to investors.<\/p>\n President Donald Trump has promised to reverse the SEC\u2019s previous crackdown on the crypto industry under former President Joe Biden. The Biden-era SEC had sued multiple crypto firms, including Coinbase and Kraken, alleging violations of securities laws. The SEC\u2019s new leadership has agreed to withdraw or suspend many of those cases.<\/p>\n The task force on Friday discussed whether crypto tokens need a distinct regulatory framework separate from the one used for traditional securities like stocks. Jennings called for a \u201ctechnology-neutral\u201d approach, suggesting that systems like Ethereum should be treated differently from corporate equity.<\/p>\n Some members of the commission raised concerns about creating a separate set of rules for crypto. Democratic SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw warned that loosening regulations for digital assets could undermine broader market protections.<\/p>\n \u201cModifying the law to facilitate the success of a chosen product category is fraught with risk,\u201d Crenshaw said. \u201cRisk not only of weakening regulatory protections for that category, but of creating the negative domino effect on other areas of the market protected by the same laws.\u201d<\/p>\n The meeting comes as Trump\u2019s administration moves to reshape cryptocurrency policies. Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies and hosted a summit with industry leaders at the White House, where he reinforced his administration\u2019s support for the crypto industry.<\/p>\n President Donald Trump reinforced his support for the crypto industry during a pre-recorded speech at the Digital Asset Summit<\/a> in Manhattan on Thursday. While he didn\u2019t announce new policies, Trump expressed confidence that crypto would drive economic growth.<\/p>\n \u201cCrypto is as big as you can get,\u201d Trump said to a packed audience. He highlighted the potential for digital assets to improve the banking and payment system and promote privacy, security, and financial growth for businesses and consumers.<\/p>\n \u201cPioneers like you will be able to improve our banking and payment system and promote greater privacy, safety, security and wealth for American consumers and businesses alike,\u201d he said. \u201cYou will unleash an explosion of economic growth.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump noted that his administration has already stopped selling seized Bitcoin and brought together industry leaders with government officials to discuss regulatory issues.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re ending the last administration\u2019s regulatory war on crypto and Bitcoin,\u201d he said, referencing Biden-era policies. \u201cThat includes stopping the lawless Operation Choke Point.\u201d Trump called the previous approach to crypto regulation \u201ca disgrace\u201d and said his administration\u2019s changes would give the industry more room to grow.<\/p>\n Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has signed two executive orders tied to digital assets. He also created a working group for digital assets and established a Bitcoin reserve using previously seized assets.<\/p>\n Speculation before the summit centred on whether Trump would address debanking or crypto taxes. While no new policies were announced, Trump reiterated his administration\u2019s commitment to supporting the crypto industry.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an honour to speak with you about how the United States is going to dominate crypto and the next generation of financial technologies,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not going to be easy, but we\u2019re way ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n Trump has maintained a close relationship with the crypto industry over the past year, backing it through executive actions and policy changes aimed at rolling back Biden-era regulations.<\/p>\n (Image by Pixabay<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n See also: UK Digital Gilt Blockchain Initiative opens for bids<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Want to learn more about blockchain from industry leaders? Check out Blockchain Expo<\/a> taking place in Amsterdam, California and London.<\/strong><\/p>\n Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nTrump: Crypto will boost US economic growth<\/h3>\n