SEC Roundtable on DeFi Regulations to Tackle Smart Contracts, Custody

The U.S. SEC is hosting a major roundtable on June 9 to discuss the ever evolving space of Decentralized Finance (DeFi). It is a high-profile discussion, named as “DeFi and the American Spirit,”. It is taking place at the headquarters in Washington, D.C., of the Securities and Exchange Commission, announced at their official site . It will also be live-streamed for reaching out to the general public.

Why This Meeting Matters

Decentralized Finance has changed how people use financial services. It lets users trade, borrow, and earn without going through banks or other middlemen. But as it grows, it brings new challenges, especially when it comes to safety, transparency, and legal rules. That’s why the SEC is stepping in.

The meeting aims to better understand how DeFi works, what risks are involved, and whether new rules are needed to protect investors while still allowing the technology to grow.

Led by Key Figures

This event is organized by the Crypto Task Force powered by the SEC, it is led by the Commissioner Hester Peirce, she is a renowned supporter of innovation in the digital currency world. She stated, “We’re here to learn,” and emphasized on the relevance of having genuine conversation with developers and users.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins is also expected to give opening remarks. Under the Trump administration, Atkins has focused on reducing SEC staff while still pushing for clearer rules and better communication with crypto companies.

Big Names at the Table

The roundtable will feature top names from both crypto and traditional finance. Key panelists include:

• Rebecca Rettig , CLO at Jito Labs

• Michael Moiser, Co-Founder, Arktouros pllc

• Peter Van Valkenburgh , Director at Coin Center

• Michael Jordan , Co-founder Wall Street DBA

• Gabriel Shapiro , CEO MetaLeX

These experts will share their insights on smart contracts, token governance, crypto custody, and how to regulate without slowing progress.

What Will Be Discussed?

The main goal is to see how DeFi can fit into existing financial laws, or if new ones are needed. Topics will include:

• How smart contracts and automated systems operate

• Who is authorised to control DeFi tokens and platforms

• The safety of holding digital assets (custody)

• Turning real-world products or physical objects like art or  watches into digital tokens that can be traded.

Another big focus will be tokenization, or converting real-world assets into blockchain-based tokens. Companies like SegMint are already doing this, offering fractional NFTs linked to luxury goods.

Public Feedback Welcomed

The SEC is inviting the public to participate. Individuals can attend in person or view online. The Commission hopes its open format will provide it with a better grasp of the crypto universe and craft equitable rules.

Organisations such as VanEck and SegMint have already initiated discussions with the SEC. BlackRock last month even sat down with the Crypto Task Force to talk about trading and compliance in the crypto market.

A Step Towards Balance

This incident proves that the SEC is attempting to balance two competing forces: investor protection and the promotion of innovation. While regulation must happen, the Commission also does not want to stifle new financial instruments that may revolutionize the way Americans save and invest.

The result of this meeting may determine the way DeFi is handled under U.S. law, and may affect the entire crypto space for many years to come.