Hester Peirce Reveals Key Members of SEC Crypto Task Force: Meet the Experts!

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially introduced its Crypto Task Force, a team of experienced officials and digital asset experts advising the agency on crypto-related regulations.

Can this new task force bring much-needed clarity, or will the uncertainty continue? Here’s a closer look at the team and what’s next.

Led by Hester Peirce, Backed by Top Experts

The task force is led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, a strong advocate for clearer crypto rules. It includes members from Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda’s office and other SEC divisions, bringing together experts in law, policy, and blockchain regulation.

The 15-member team consists of 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 official and former counsel to Peirce, has been named Chief of Staff.

SEC Veterans In The Team

The SEC has appointed Mike Selig as Chief Counsel. Previously a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, Selig worked in the firm’s crypto law division. Earlier in his career, he interned at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

His appointment drew praise from former CFTC Chairman Chris Giancarlo, known as “CryptoDad.” Giancarlo, now senior counsel at Willkie Farr, congratulated Selig on the role.

Other key members include:

• Landon Zinda – Former policy director at crypto think tank Coin Center, now a senior advisor.
• Veronica Reynolds – Former attorney at Baker Hostetler LLP, specializing in NFTs and metaverse law.
• Taylor Asher – Former policy advisor to Commissioner Mark Uyeda, now Chief Policy Advisor.
• Bernard Nolan – Former SEC Division of Investment Management official with expertise in blockchain securities laws.

First Crypto Roundtable Ahead

Commissioner Hester Peirce highlighted the team’s expertise and commitment to finding “workable solutions” for crypto regulation challenges.

The task force was formed as the SEC faces growing pressure to clarify its stance on digital assets. On March 21, it will hold its first roundtable discussion titled “How We Got Here and How We Get Out – Defining Security Status.” This marks the start of a broader discussion on shaping crypto regulations.