SEC Under Trump Establishes Task Force to Develop Clear Crypto Guidelines

The Trump administration on Tuesday launched a task force to lower regulatory hurdles for cryptocurrencies, a day after President Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Addressing long-standing calls from the digital assets industry, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that acting Chair Mark Uyeda has formed a “crypto task force.” This team will focus on creating a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets.

Commissioner Hester Peirce will lead the task force. Meanwhile, Richard Gabbert, senior advisor to the acting chairman, will step into the role of chief of staff. Taylor Asher, also a senior policy advisor to the acting chairman, will serve as chief policy advisor.

Mark Uyeda Assumes Acting SEC Role Ahead of Paul Atkins’ Confirmation

Uyeda assumed the role of acting chair on Monday, replacing Gary Gensler, who was recognized for his strict regulatory approach, particularly toward cryptocurrencies. He will serve as acting chair until the Senate confirms Paul Atkins, Trump’s nominee for the next SEC chairman.

“I look forward to the efforts of Commissioner Peirce to lead regulatory policy on crypto, which involves multiple SEC divisions and offices,” Uyeda said.

🚨BREAKING: SEC Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda announces a crypto task force led by Commissioner Hester Pierce dedicated to creating a clear regulatory framework for crypto assets pic.twitter.com/MfHubj8pvz

— Autism Capital 🧩 (@AutismCapital) January 21, 2025

SEC’s Task Force Seeks to Replace Reactive Enforcement with Clear Guidelines

The task force will bring together skilled personnel from across the agency to collaborate with SEC staff and the public. Their goal is to guide the SEC toward a practical regulatory approach that remains within legal boundaries.

The SEC openly admitted its lack of clarity on crypto regulations in its announcement. The agency has primarily relied on enforcement actions to oversee cryptocurrencies, often acting in a reactive and retroactive way, it said. Further, this method has frequently involved applying new and unproven legal interpretations, according to the regulator.

“Clarity regarding who must register, and practical solutions for those seeking to register, have been elusive,” the SEC said. “The result has been confusion about what is legal, which creates an environment hostile to innovation and conducive to fraud. The SEC can do better.”

The task force will focus on helping the SEC establish clear regulatory boundaries, create practical registration pathways, design effective disclosure frameworks and strategically allocate enforcement resources.

In addition, it will operate within the legislative framework set by Congress, providing technical support as lawmakers make changes. The group will also collaborate with federal departments and agencies, such as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as state and international partners.