SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce invited small, early-stage crypto projects to meet with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force in Chicago on September 15, 2025. She announced this on X, asking interested projects with 10 or fewer employees and less than two years old to Crypto@sec.gov with “Chicago” in the subject line and a brief project description.
This is part of a series of nationwide roundtables to engage stakeholders and develop a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. The summit provides a rare opportunity for small crypto projects to engage directly with the SEC’s Crypto Task Force. This access allows SMEs to voice their challenges, such as navigating complex securities laws, compliance costs, and regulatory uncertainty, which often disproportionately burden smaller firms with limited resources.
Direct dialogue can help SMEs clarify how existing regulations apply to their operations, potentially reducing the risk of unintentional non-compliance. By targeting companies with 10 or fewer employees and less than two years old, the SEC is focusing on startups that may lack the legal or financial resources of larger firms. The summit could offer tailored insights into compliance pathways, such as exemptions.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
Participation in the summit offers SMEs a platform to showcase their projects to regulators, potentially increasing visibility and credibility. This could attract investors or partners who value regulatory engagement as a sign of legitimacy. Interaction with other early-stage projects at the summit could also foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among crypto SMEs, strengthening the ecosystem.
Feedback from SMEs could shape the SEC’s approach to digital assets, leading to policies that are more accommodating to small businesses. For instance, SMEs might advocate for simplified registration processes or clearer guidelines on token classifications (e.g., security vs. utility tokens).
This engagement could help the SEC better understand the technological and operational realities of crypto startups, potentially leading to regulations that balance investor protection with innovation. Peirce’s initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a “clear and workable regulatory framework” for digital assets, as she stated on X.
By gathering insights from early-stage companies, the SEC can better calibrate its policies to address real-world challenges in the crypto industry. This could lead to more precise definitions of what constitutes a security under the Howey Test, addressing long-standing ambiguities around token offerings and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
Shift from Enforcement to Engagement
Historically, the SEC has been criticized for its enforcement-heavy approach to crypto regulation, often targeting projects after violations occur. The summit reflects a proactive, dialogue-based approach, suggesting a potential shift toward collaboration over punitive measures.
Hosting roundtables in cities like Chicago (and potentially others, as Peirce noted this is part of a nationwide series) indicates an effort to decentralize regulatory outreach. This could ensure that policies reflect diverse perspectives from crypto hubs beyond major coastal cities. Localized engagement may also help the SEC understand regional variations in crypto adoption and innovation, informing more nuanced regulations.
The summit could lead to regulatory adjustments that reduce compliance burdens for SMEs, such as streamlined registration processes, lower filing fees, or exemptions tailored to small-scale token offerings. For example, insights from SMEs might encourage the SEC to revisit crowdfunding regulations (e.g., Regulation A+ or CF) to better accommodate blockchain-based fundraising.
The success of the summit depends on whether SME feedback translates into actionable policy changes. Previous SEC engagements, such as public comment periods, have sometimes led to slow or limited outcomes, which could temper expectations. The focus on small projects (10 or fewer employees) excludes slightly larger SMEs, which may also face regulatory challenges.
Hester Peirce’s Chicago summit is a significant opportunity for crypto SMEs to gain direct access to regulators, clarify compliance requirements, and influence future policies. For SMEs, it offers a chance to reduce regulatory uncertainty, gain visibility, and advocate for rules that support innovation. For regulatory policies, the summit could mark a shift toward a more collaborative and innovation-friendly framework, addressing long-standing ambiguities in the crypto space.