New SEC Era Brings Clear Rules for Cryptocurrencies
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is beginning to change its approach to cryptocurrencies. Commissioner Hester Peirce, known in the community as “Crypto Mom,” admitted at a Coin Center event last Thursday that the agency had been too harsh in the past.
“I regret that for most of my tenure at the SEC I failed to convince my colleagues to give crypto a chance,” Peirce said. According to her, a new era is coming in which the government will focus on clear rules instead of vague enforcement actions. Entrepreneurs and developers are thus getting space to build projects that can bring people security, prosperity, and new opportunities.
Regulator’s policy shift
The change came with the SEC’s new leadership. Paul Atkins was appointed as chairman, paving the way for a more friendly stance toward crypto. The agency created a special task force led by Peirce, withdrew several lawsuits against crypto firms, and launched the “Project Crypto” initiative aimed at modernizing outdated rules for digital assets.
This marks a sharp turn from the era of former chairman Gary Gensler, who considered most cryptocurrencies to be securities and pushed a “regulation by enforcement” strategy, creating uncertainty and slowing the industry’s growth.
A lighter note through NFTs
One area the SEC previously focused on was non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The agency launched several investigations and took action against selected collections.
In her speech, Peirce even added some humor. She presented a fictional NFT collection called “The Dog’s Breakfast,” inspired by crypto personalities. One token would be a caricature of “CryptoMom” with a slightly confused expression, another a lawyer in a hoodie and sneakers carrying a law book he never opens.
From confrontation to dialogue
A softer stance from the SEC could bring more peace of mind to both companies and investors. While in past years the crypto market was constrained by uncertainty and fear of heavy-handed intervention, it now seems the regulator is seeking more dialogue and cooperation instead of confrontation.
Sources:
https://www.theblock.co/post/372624/sec-peirce-quick-progress-crypto-regulation-softens
https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025-30
https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023-178