On 21 January 2025, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) launched the Crypto 2.0 Task Force, an initiative to overhaul the regulation of digital assets within US jurisdiction. Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda announced the task force, with Commissioner Hester Peirce leading the agency-wide effort. This initiative aims to transition the US SEC from its historically reactive enforcement approach to a forward-thinking regulatory framework that balances investor protection, innovation, and market integrity.
Comprised of staff from various US SEC divisions, the Crypto 2.0 Task Force will work collaboratively with the public, industry participants, and policymakers to set clear guidelines for the crypto industry. Key roles in the task force include Richard Gabbert as Chief of Staff and Taylor Asher as Chief Policy Advisor, who will support Commissioner Peirce in her leadership. The task force’s primary vision and purpose is to clarify regulatory obligations, provide feasible registration pathways, and develop frameworks that foster transparency and innovation while ensuring compliance with federal laws.
The Crypto 2.0 Task Force was formed in response to growing concerns about regulatory ambiguity in the United States crypto market. Historically, the US SEC has relied on enforcement actions that have been criticised for their lack of clarity and predictability, leaving market participants uncertain about compliance requirements. Acting Chairman Uyeda acknowledged the shortcomings of this approach, stating, “The SEC can do better.”
Under its mandate, the task force will establish clear boundaries for crypto regulation, improve registration processes for digital asset platforms, and craft investor disclosure rules. Additionally, it will deploy enforcement resources judiciously to combat fraud without stifling innovation. The task force will also assist the United States Congress by providing technical insights to guide updates to the statutory framework, ensuring a cohesive national approach to digital asset regulation.
The task force will coordinate with other federal agencies, including the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (US CFTC), as well as state and international regulators. The US SEC has prioritised public engagement as a cornerstone of the task force’s strategy. Effective immediately, the agency is welcoming feedback from stakeholders via Crypto@sec.gov. To ensure diverse input, the task force plans to hold roundtable discussions in the coming months, inviting investors, industry leaders, academics, and other interested parties to share their perspectives.
Acting Chairman Uyeda stated: “I look forward to the efforts of Commissioner Peirce to lead regulatory policy on crypto, which involves multiple SEC divisions and offices.”
Commissioner Peirce stated: “This undertaking will take time, patience, and much hard work. It will succeed only if the Task Force has input from a wide range of investors, industry participants, academics, and other interested parties. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the public to foster a regulatory environment that protects investors, facilitates capital formation, fosters market integrity, and supports innovation.”
(Source: https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-30)
