DEX in the City: How the SEC’s Crypto Task Force Is Rebuilding Trust with Builders

In this pivotal episode of *Unchained*'s 'Decks in the City,' host Catherine KK welcomes two trailblazing figures from the SEC: Commissioner Hester Peirce and Sumera Yunus, Chief of Operations of the Crypto Task Force. The conversation centers on the SEC’s transformative efforts to rebuild trust with the crypto industry after years of regulatory silence and hostility. Yunus details the day-to-day operations of the task force—engaging in roundtables, reviewing hundreds of submissions, and drafting rulemakings—while emphasizing the importance of open, accessible dialogue with builders of all sizes. Commissioner Peirce underscores the value of transparency, citing the public availability of roundtable recordings and the use of AI to analyze input. The guests discuss how the SEC balances urgency with long-term durability, especially amid pending legislation like the Clarity Act, and stress that the task force’s work is not political but mission-driven, designed to endure beyond any single administration. They also highlight the importance of proportionate compliance pathways, especially for small teams, and the growing coordination between the SEC and CFTC through a new MOU aimed at harmonizing oversight. The episode also delves into critical themes like disclosure innovation, with both guests expressing excitement about using smart contracts and AI to make regulatory information more digestible and interactive. They emphasize that regulators aren’t the sole source of good information—private sector initiatives are already shaping best practices. As the conversation turns to legacy, both Peirce and Yunus express deep pride in the team they’ve built and the institutional foundation being laid. Peirce is lauded for her integrity and leadership, while Yunus speaks of the task force’s resilience and continuity. The episode closes with a powerful call to action: keep building, keep engaging, and never give up. The hosts also spotlight the Eve Wealth Summit as a beacon for gender diversity in crypto, reinforcing the episode’s broader message of inclusion, innovation, and responsible progress.