In a press release on Monday, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced the members of the Crypto Task Force staff, which is advising the Commission on matters related to crypto.
Experienced Officials, Digital Asset Experts
The Task Force is made up of experienced agency officials and digital asset experts. Led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, a vocal advocate for clearer crypto rules, the team brings together top talent in law, policy, and blockchain regulation. The task force is composed of staff from the Acting Chairman MarkUyeda’s office and other divisions and offices across the Commission.
Comprised of 15 members, the team includes a Chief of Staff, Chief Counsel, Chief Policy Advisor, and Chief of Operations, along with 10 senior advisors from various SEC divisions. Richard Gabbert, a longtime SEC staff member and Peirce’s former counsel, has been appointed chief of staff.
Mike Selig is the new chief counsel of the Crypto Task Force. He was previously a partner at the New York office of the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he worked in their crypto practice. Before that, he interned at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Former CFTC Chairman Chris Giancarlo, known as “CryptoDad,” congratulated Selig on the new role. Giancarlo is also senior counsel at Willkie Farr, leading the firm’s Digital Works practice.
SEC Veterans In The Team
Other members include crypto industry veterans like Landon Zinda, former policy director at the crypto think tank Coin Center, and Veronica Reynolds, a former attorney at Baker Hostetler LLP with a focus on NFTs and metaverse-related legal issues. Both will serve as senior advisors to the task force, alongside career SEC staff.
Taylor Asher, who previously advised former Commissioner Mark Uyeda on policy, will serve as chief policy advisor. Bernard Nolan, formerly with the SEC’s Division of Investment Management, brings expertise in blockchain securities laws.
Commissioner Hester Peirce emphasized the Crypto Task Force’s expertise and commitment to finding ‘workable solutions’ to difficult crypto regulatory problems.
First Roundtable Ahead
The task force is formed as pressure increases on the SEC to clarify its position on crypto regulation. Interestingly, on March 21, the task force will hold its first roundtable discussion, titled “How We Got Here and How We Get Out – Defining Security Status,” as part of an ongoing series on crypto regulation.
