SEC Crypto Task Force Targets Surveillance and Privacy in October Roundtable

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) crypto task force will hold a public roundtable on October 17 in Washington, D.C. The discussion will focus on financial surveillance and privacy in digital asset markets.

The SEC crypto task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, has already organized five similar events since the departure of former Chair Gary Gensler.

This upcoming session will be the sixth and part of ten roundtables scheduled between August and December across the United States.

“Understanding recent developments in privacy-protecting tools will assist the SEC and other financial regulators as we work on policy solutions in the crypto space,”

said Peirce in the notice.

Surveillance and Privacy at the Center of SEC Crypto Policy

The SEC crypto task force is addressing the role of surveillance and privacy as regulators weigh new rule changes.

On Thursday, the SEC proposed “certain exemptions and safe harbors” for the offer and sale of crypto assets.

The proposals also include changes to broker-dealer financial responsibility rules, aiming to adjust compliance requirements for US-based crypto companies.

These changes could shape how exchanges and brokers handle reporting and oversight in digital asset markets.

By focusing on financial surveillance and privacy, the SEC crypto task force seeks input on how to balance oversight with tools that protect user data.

SEC and CFTC Coordination in Digital Asset Markets

The SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have softened their approach since January. Both regulators dropped several lawsuits and investigations involving crypto firms.

The CFTC, now led by Acting Chair Caroline Pham, announced in August that it would follow White House direction on crypto policy. Last week, the SEC and CFTC confirmed they are exploring 24/7 capital markets, new rules for crypto derivatives, and a coordinated framework for spot crypto trading.

These steps follow recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, released in July, urging closer cooperation between the two regulators.

Legislative Developments in Crypto Regulation

Beyond regulatory measures, Congress is considering broader legislation for digital assets. The Responsible Financial Innovation Act, currently in the US Senate, could restructure oversight of crypto markets.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a sponsor of the bill, said it could become law before 2026. The proposal would formally divide responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC, setting rules for both crypto securities and commodities.

The SEC crypto task force roundtable on October 17 will feed into these discussions, highlighting how financial surveillance and privacy will be treated under future US digital asset regulations.