U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins has confirmed that the agency’s first-ever crypto task force—led by Commissioner Hester Peirce—is preparing to release its inaugural report within the coming months. The development marks a major milestone in the SEC’s evolving approach to digital asset regulation.
Speaking during a May 20 congressional oversight hearing, Atkins called crypto regulation a “key priority” under his leadership and signaled that formal policy proposals are on the way. While he declined to provide details about the task force’s funding or scope, he made it clear that progress is underway.
“We should be having something here in the next few months with proposed steps forward,” Atkins said in response to a question from Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC).
The task force was formally established on January 21—just one day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration—underscoring the administration’s intent to reset the regulatory tone for the crypto sector. Commissioner Hester Peirce, often dubbed “Crypto Mom” for her advocacy of crypto innovation, leads the group. Its first report is expected to address issues including token classification, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the SEC’s future enforcement posture.
With years of industry frustration over regulatory ambiguity, the report is highly anticipated by stakeholders across the crypto landscape.
New SEC Chair Signals Policy Shift, Urges Legislative Support
In one of his earliest public appearances as SEC Chair, Paul Atkins laid out a vision for recalibrating the agency’s approach to digital assets. He also emphasized that any long-term regulatory solution must be supported by Congress.
Testifying before lawmakers on May 20, Atkins acknowledged that the SEC alone cannot resolve the structural uncertainty surrounding crypto regulation. He pointed to the GENIUS Act—a stablecoin-focused bill that advanced in the Senate earlier that day—as a key example of the type of legislative clarity that could help guide the SEC’s own rulemaking.
“Whatever happens in Congress… that will help undergird what we do,” Atkins told the committee.
Atkins’ comments mark a clear departure from the more aggressive enforcement-led stance of his predecessors. His remarks echoed a broader desire to pivot toward innovation-friendly regulation, particularly as more lawmakers call for tailored crypto frameworks instead of retrofitting securities law.
Task Force Led by Pierce Could Define SEC’s Crypto Roadmap
The SEC’s crypto task force—led by Commissioner Peirce—is expected to deliver foundational recommendations that could reshape how the agency approaches token classification, market structure, and enforcement.
Though the SEC has ramped up enforcement activity in recent years, critics have argued that its “regulation by enforcement” approach lacks clarity and discourages innovation. Under Atkins, the agency appears ready to chart a more constructive course.
Peirce’s leadership has added credibility to the task force’s mission. As one of the earliest voices within the SEC to advocate for clear crypto guidance, her role is widely seen as a signal of the commission’s intent to collaborate with industry stakeholders.
The task force’s report—slated for release this summer—will likely serve as the foundation for a broader shift in how the SEC oversees the digital asset market.
SEC Schedules June DeFi Roundtable to Deepen Industry Dialogue
In parallel with the task force’s efforts, Chair Atkins has prioritized open engagement with the crypto industry. On June 9, the SEC is scheduled to host a roundtable on decentralized finance (DeFi), bringing together regulators, developers, and legal experts to explore how current rules apply to emerging Web3 models.
The event is part of Atkins’ push to replace adversarial posturing with open dialogue—a shift that could prove vital as Congress weighs broader crypto legislation.
Quick Facts
- SEC Chair Paul Atkins confirmed the agency’s first crypto task force report—led by Commissioner Hester Peirce—will be released “in the next few months.”
- The task force, formed one day after Trump’s inauguration, is expected to recommend reforms on token classification, enforcement, and DeFi oversight.
- Atkins emphasized the need for congressional support, citing the GENIUS Act as a model for future digital asset legislation.
- A public roundtable focused on DeFi is scheduled for June 9, reflecting the agency’s new collaborative approach under Atkins.
