SEC Commissioner Peirce Clarifies Stance on Crypto Endorsements Amid Regulatory Outreach

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as "Crypto Mom," has explicitly denied endorsing any private crypto projects or firms. In a recent statement on X, she emphasized that while she welcomes dialogue with industry participants, her engagement does not equate to official SEC approval. "I welcome the chance to meet with crypto projects to hear from them about their regulatory challenges, but I do not 'work alongside' or endorse private crypto projects or firms," Peirce said.

The remarks align with the SEC's longstanding policy that participation in task force discussions or outreach initiatives does not imply agency endorsement. This clarification comes as Peirce spearheads a national tour aimed at fostering dialogue with early-stage crypto startups—often overlooked in policymaking but critical to innovation. The initiative marks a shift from the SEC's traditional enforcement-heavy approach toward a more collaborative model.

Peirce's tour, which kicked off August 4, focuses on understanding the practical challenges faced by developers. "We want to understand what it’s really like for people building the future," she noted during a session. The effort has been described as a rare opportunity for the industry to engage with regulators who are actively listening rather than reacting with sanctions.