SEC Roundtable Advocates Firm Stance on Digital Assets Regulations

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### SEC Roundtable: Strict Digital Asset Policies Discussed

On March 21, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission hosted its first cryptocurrency industry roundtable. The event highlighted former SEC Cyber Enforcement Chief John Reed Stark’s strong opposition to altering securities regulations for digital assets.

Former SEC Officials Push for Status Quo in Securities Regulation

John Reed Stark, a vocal critic of the crypto industry, reiterated his view that digital assets should not sidestep existing securities regulations. He argued that digital assets should be treated as securities under the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934. Stark emphasized, “The SEC’s duty is to protect investors,” indicating that purchasers of cryptocurrency are akin to investors rather than collectors.

“The people buying crypto are not collectors. We all know that they are investors, and the mission of the SEC is to protect investors.”

While the roundtable did not specify financial impacts, Stark’s position may shape future regulatory measures in the industry. His comments reflect a desire for stricter enforcement, likely impacting both the current and future operations of crypto entities.

Responses from the crypto community have been critical, with some arguing that such regulatory rigidity stifles innovation. Stark’s description of industry partnerships as questionable underscores a hardline approach to collaboration between traditional businesses and crypto entities.