Why the SEC’s new crypto task force passes the vibe check

The new task force shows that crypto’s officially entering a new era

article-image

Tada Images/Shutterstock modified by Blockworks

share

This is a segment from the Empire newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.


I’m happy to announce that we can officially retire the term “regulation by enforcement.” It can now join “cautiously optimistic” and “soft landing” on the shelf of terms nobody needs to hear anytime soon. 

Yesterday, acting chair Mark Uyeda announced that Hester Peirce — known around here as Crypto Mom for her dissents over the SEC’s approach to the space — would head up a new taskforce: Crypto 2.0.

With Gary Gensler officially out of the building, it’s now abundantly clear that the SEC is serious about crypto companies coming in and registering. Don’t believe me? Just look at what Uyeda said in the press release: Crypto 2.0 “will succeed only if the Task Force has input from a wide range of investors, industry participants, academics and other interested parties.”

If you’re an avid Empire reader, I’m sure you’ve noticed the optimistic tone David and I have carried for a few months now. We’ve been saying that the winds of change have shifted the vibe. This week just proved it. 

The launch of Trump’s coin led to some confusion and criticism (some of it, like I talked about yesterday, is justified) but the SEC’s newest task force shows that it’s looking to ensure a framework that actually works for the industry. 

Whether this means that the current lawsuits, including the one the SEC filed against Helium’s Nova Labs on Friday, will be dismissed is still up in the air. 

Loading Tweet..
Lots of moving parts behind the scenes at the SEC right now

Remember that Haynes Boone partner Matthew Frankle told us earlier this month that we could perhaps see cases dropped as the SEC adopts a friendlier approach. 

The vibes are high, Crypto Mom is in charge, and we’re soo back.


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Old Billingsgate

Mon - Wed, October 13 - 15, 2025

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Research Report Templates.jpg

Research

Figure, founded by former SoFi CEO Mike Cagney, has emerged as a leader in onchain RWAs, with ~$17.5B publicly tokenized. The platform’s ecosystem volume is growing ~40% YoY as it expands beyond HELOCs into student loans, DSCR loans, unsecured loans, bankruptcy claims, and more. Operationally, Figure cuts average loan production cost by ~93% and compresses median funding time from ~42 days to ~10, creating a durable speed-and-cost advantage.

article-image

The new stBTC token redistributes Bitcoin gas fees to users, creating liquid yield without inflation or lockups

by Blockworks /
article-image

The reserve will collect protocol revenues to back W token, alongside new yield and unlock schedule

by Blockworks /
article-image

Layer 2 network Taiko integrates Chainlink Data Streams to deliver reliable onchain market data for DeFi and institutions

by Blockworks /
article-image

The license will allow Bullish to operate in New York under strict digital asset rules

by Blockworks /
article-image

The derivatives giant expands crypto offerings with new Solana and XRP futures options, pending regulatory review

by Blockworks /
article-image

Nasdaq-listed firm to fund Solana token purchases and expand its blockchain-focused treasury strategy

by Blockworks /