SEC Announces Four Additional Crypto Roundtables on Key Topics, Marking a Shift in Approach

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that it will host a series of four additional crypto roundtables on pivotal topics in the cryptocurrency space. These discussions come as part of a broader effort by the SEC to reassess its regulatory stance on digital assets under new leadership. The move represents a significant departure from the more hardline approach to cryptocurrency regulation that characterized the previous administration under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

The SEC’s first crypto roundtable took place on March 21, 2025, and focused on the regulatory issues surrounding the security status of cryptocurrencies. Following that successful event, the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, launched by acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda in January 2025, will continue its efforts with four more roundtables scheduled throughout the year.

The Upcoming Roundtable Schedule

• April 11, 2025 – Crypto Trading Regulation: The first roundtable in the upcoming series will discuss how to tailor regulations specific to crypto trading platforms.

• April 25, 2025 – Crypto Custody: This roundtable will focus on the evolving standards and challenges in managing and securing crypto assets in custody.

• May 12, 2025 – Tokenization and On-Chain Assets: A discussion on tokenization, including the implications of moving assets onchain, will be the subject of this roundtable.

• June 6, 2025 – Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The final roundtable in this series will explore the regulatory complexities surrounding DeFi and its growing impact on traditional financial systems.

Purpose of the Roundtables

According to SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who leads the Crypto Task Force, these roundtables provide an important opportunity to engage with industry experts and discuss the regulatory challenges facing the rapidly evolving crypto space. "The Crypto Task Force roundtables are an opportunity for us to hear a lively discussion among experts about what the regulatory issues are and what the Commission can do to solve them," Peirce said in a statement.

While the specific agenda and list of speakers for each roundtable have not yet been disclosed, the events will be open for the public to watch online or attend in person at the SEC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

SEC’s Changing Approach to Crypto Regulation

The SEC’s recent shift in tone reflects broader changes in leadership and regulatory philosophy. Under acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, the SEC has begun to soften its stance on crypto regulation, reversing some of the more stringent measures introduced during Gary Gensler’s tenure. Gensler, who resigned in January 2025, had previously ramped up enforcement actions against crypto firms and introduced strict regulations aimed at controlling the industry.

Since Uyeda took over, the SEC has begun to distance itself from some of these proposals. For instance, Uyeda flagged plans to scrap a proposed rule under the Biden administration that would have tightened crypto custody standards for investment advisers. Furthermore, Uyeda has also called for revisions to regulations that would have required crypto firms to register as exchanges under expanded rules targeting alternative trading systems.

In addition to the crypto roundtables, the SEC will host a discussion on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial industry on March 27, 2025. This roundtable will delve into the risks, benefits, and governance of AI in finance, with key SEC figures including Uyeda, Peirce, and Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw set to speak.

Looking Ahead

The series of roundtables hosted by the SEC underscores its evolving approach to crypto regulation, focusing on industry collaboration and finding workable solutions for the future. As the cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to mature, these discussions will be crucial in shaping how digital assets are integrated into the broader financial system.

For more details on upcoming roundtables, be sure to visit the SEC’s official page. Keep an eye on further updates to stay informed about the SEC’s regulatory changes in the cryptocurrency space.

Stay updated on all things crypto regulation and SEC developments by following the official SEC Twitter handle @SECGov.