The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has kicked off a special series of events called the “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity.” These are not just ordinary meetings — they are open roundtable discussions led by the SEC’s Crypto Task Force to figure out better ways to regulate the crypto world.
Each roundtable covers a different topic — from crypto trading rules to custody, DeFi, and asset tokenization.
Roundtable 1: How We Got Here and How We Get Out – Defining Security Status
Date: March 21, 2025 | Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET
The conversation in the first roundtable began with a big question: When is a crypto token security? It has become very complicated, even beyond the grasp of the developers and influencers (websites) to that of the regulators. If a crypto token is deemed a security, it must comply with strict regulations enforced by the state, unlike stocks. However, a good part of the tokens do not fall within that grid.
At this instance, the discussion concentrated on explaining how the SEC arrives at this determination. Experts expounded their views, and the public participated in the discussion. The SEC, therefore, seeks to solicit all views contributing to the shaping of future policies.
Roundtable 2: Between a Block and a Hard Place – Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading Intermediaries
Date: April 11, 2025 | Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET
What the roundtable examines are the platforms assisting people in purchasing, selling, and holding crypto is, exchanges and brokers. Many of these companies are stuck in the middle, trying to balance antiquated regulations with new-age innovation. These companies often work in the dark, with no clear guidance, creating liabilities for themselves and their clients.
The SEC intends to make rules that will be fair, flexible, and ready for tomorrow. The roundtable will commence with industry stakeholders and lawyers together with the public in co-creating the regulatory pathway. All this is about striking the right balance between safety and innovation.
Roundtable 3: Know Your Custodian – Key Considerations for Crypto Custody
Date: April 25, 2025 | Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Where do your crypto assets sit? And who is responsible for keeping them in safety? That is what this roundtable is all about. In the traditional world, banks and trustees are custodians. In crypto, custody could connote wallets, private keys, or smart contracts.
This roundtable focuses on building a regulation regime that protects investors while not forbidding innovation. Experts will debate custody risks, gaps in existing regulation, and how to secure digital asset custody in a fast-moving environment.
Roundtable 4: Tokenization – Moving Assets Onchain: Where TradFi and DeFi Meet
Date: May 12, 2025 | Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Imagine owning real estate, stocks, or art — all in the form of tokens on a blockchain. That’s the idea behind tokenization. It allows traditional financial assets (TradFi) to move into decentralized systems (DeFi), making things faster, cheaper, and more transparent.
This roundtable will explore how to safely bring traditional assets on-chain. The SEC is asking: What are the risks? What protections are needed? Can regulators support innovation without losing control?
Roundtable 5: DeFi and the American Spirit
Date: June 6, 2025 | Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET
This final session shines a light on Decentralized Finance, or DeFi. DeFi is built on the idea of cutting out middlemen and letting people trade, lend, or borrow directly using blockchain tech. It’s fast, open, and global — but also harder to regulate.
In this roundtable, the SEC wants to explore how DeFi lines up with American values like entrepreneurship, innovation, and fairness. The big question: Can we create a space where DeFi can grow responsibly while still keeping users safe?
Event Overview Table: At a Glance
| Date | Event Title | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| March 21, 2025 | How We Got Here and How We Get Out | What makes a crypto token a “security”? |
| April 11, 2025 | Between a Block and a Hard Place | Regulating crypto exchanges and platforms |
| April 25, 2025 | Know Your Custodian | Crypto custody and investor safety |
| May 12, 2025 | Tokenization: Where TradFi and DeFi Meet | Moving traditional assets on-chain |
| June 6, 2025 | DeFi and the American Spirit | Exploring the future of decentralized finance |
What Are These Roundtables About?
These sessions are built to tackle some of the biggest questions in crypto regulation:
- What counts as security in crypto?
- How should we handle exchanges and wallets?
- Who is responsible for holding digital assets?
- Can traditional finance and DeFi work together?
- How can we protect investors without slowing down tech?
Who’s Involved?
These events are led by SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, a strong supporter of clear and fair crypto rules. The goal is to listen to the public, crypto builders, and financial experts to build smarter rules.
You don’t need to be a lawyer or tech genius to attend. If you care about the future of crypto, these roundtables are made for you.
Key Details to Know
- Open to the Public: You can attend in person or watch online on SEC.gov.
- In-Person Registration Required: Register ahead if you want to visit the SEC headquarters.
- Watch Online: No need to sign up — just click and view the livestream.
- Want to Be a Panelist? Email crypto@sec.gov with the subject line “Potential Panelist.”
For registration and more details, you can visit the official website.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is advancing aggressively into the changing environment of crypto regulation. On April 11, 2025, the SEC’s Crypto Task Force will be hosting a roundtable entitled “Between a Block and a Hard Place: Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading Intermediaries” as part of the same ongoing series of events called the “Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity,” where experts and the people will come together to discuss the regulation of crypto assets.
What Is the Roundtable All About?
Focusing on a single important issue:
How can the SEC develop better rules for the crypto trading intermediaries–companies that help users buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies?
Why they care is that many of these platforms work in a way that does not quite fit within the current securities law. The SEC does not want to fill that gap in a way that stunts innovation.
This roundtable is part of the Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity-which is concerned with bringing experts together with the public and the SEC for an honest discussion on these topics.
Who’s Leading It?
The event will be led by SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, a known advocate for smart, balanced crypto regulation.
Commissioner Peirce has stressed that:
“Listening to people inside and outside the crypto industry helps us shape better rules and protect investors.”
Who Can Join the Conversation?
Anyone interested can join the event online. If you want to attend in person, you need to register. The SEC welcomes professionals from:
- Crypto trading platforms
- Blockchain security firms
- Legal and regulatory experts
- Public policy advocates
- Investors and financial advisors
Why This Matters
This roundtable builds on the first event held on March 21, 2025, titled:
“How We Got Here and How We Get Out – Defining Security Status”
That discussion focused on which crypto assets qualify as “securities” under U.S. law—a hot topic that affects how tokens and coins are regulated.
This time, the spotlight is on crypto intermediaries—companies that act as the middlemen in digital asset trading. Think crypto exchanges, brokers, and wallet services.
The SEC wants to:
- Clarify their legal responsibilities
- Reduce confusion in compliance
- Make sure investors are protected from fraud or manipulation
- Ensure U.S. rules don’t drive innovation offshore
Event Goals at a Glance
| Key Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Tailored Regulation | Finding the right legal framework for crypto intermediaries |
| Investor Protection | Making sure users aren’t misled or exposed to unnecessary risk |
| Public Input | Creating space for industry voices and community feedback |
| Innovation & Safety | Balancing progress with proper oversight |
For registration and more details, you can visit the official website.
