SEC Crypto Roundtable Suggests New Era of Flexibility
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hosted its second big crypto roundtable in Washington D.C. on April 11, signaling a softer regulatory stance under Acting Chair Mark Uyeda. The roundtable, “Between a Block and a Hard Place: Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading,” brought together leading blockchain and trading firms to debate the future of U.S. crypto regulation.
Temporary Rules Suggested as Long-Term Framework Develops
Uyeda provided a “time-limited, conditional exemptive relief framework” as an interim measure that could serve as a bridge until long-term policies can be implemented. He emphasized that this short-term guidance could spur domestic blockchain innovation without sacrificing investor protection.
“While the Commission is working on developing a long-term solution, a time-limited framework could facilitate more innovation in the United States,” Uyeda stated.
He urged firms building blockchain-based trading platforms to comment on areas likely to receive temporary reprieve, highlighting the SEC’s call to collaboration rather than solo action.
Key Industry Leaders Participate in SEC Discussion
Notable attendees were Uniswap Labs Chief Legal Officer Katherine Minarik, Cumberland DRW Associate General Counsel Chelsea Pizzola, and Coinbase Institutional VP Greg Tusar. Their presence is evidence of growing institutional interest to establish crypto’s regulatory path.
A Marked Shift away from Enforcement-First Approach
The SEC’s shift in tone is part of a broader policy shift. Under the Trump administration, the agency has dropped some lawsuits filed under Gary Gensler’s tenure, including celebrity cases against Kraken, Coinbase, and Consensys.
Last month, the SEC dropped its case against Cumberland DRW in October 2024, a move widely seen by many as a retreat from regulation-by-enforcement policies that once characterized the Commission’s approach.
Industry Remains Cautious Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
While the direction has shifted, there remain plenty of crypto skeptics. The road to formal regulation remains uncertain, and trust in sustained policy change is low.
As Uyeda seeks feedback, the coming months may determine whether this temporary path becomes a helpful regulatory bridge—or just another sidetrack.
