The landscape of U.S. digital asset regulation may be turning a corner. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, widely known in the crypto community as “Crypto Mom,” recently described a new chapter in regulatory policy—one she calls a “more constructive era.”
Speaking at the annual Coin Center Dinner, Peirce expressed optimism about the future of crypto regulation. In a rare moment of reflection, she issued an apology for her inability in past years to persuade fellow commissioners to take a more open-minded approach toward blockchain and digital assets.
A Shift in Leadership Brings Policy Change
This new direction coincides with the leadership shift under the Trump administration, which appointed former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins as the new Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since taking the helm, Atkins and Peirce have launched a series of forward-looking initiatives aimed at reforming how the agency approaches digital assets.
Among these are the creation of a dedicated Crypto Task Force, now led by Peirce herself, and the rollout of Project Crypto, a program designed to modernize outdated securities laws for blockchain-based assets. Notably, several high-profile lawsuits that defined the enforcement-heavy tenure of former Chair Gary Gensler have been put on hold or re-evaluated.
Peirce emphasized that the current climate offers a rare opportunity for both regulators and industry players: “This is the time to design systems that strengthen safety, encourage prosperity, and improve people’s lives.”
A Call for Industry to Lead Responsibly
With the SEC signaling a more open-door approach, Peirce urged crypto innovators to rise to the occasion. She stressed the importance of building durable frameworks that prioritize both innovation and consumer protection.
Rather than relying solely on top-down mandates, the new era appears to support collaborative development—where regulators and developers work together to shape practical guidelines.
Peirce’s remarks mark a significant departure from the enforcement-centric policies of the previous administration. As the digital asset space matures, her message is clear: the door is open, but it’s up to the industry to step through it responsibly.
