Weekly Crypto Regulation News Roundup: SEC to Host Roundtables, Congress Advances Stablecoin Rules
U.S. crypto regulation developments accelerated this week as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) scheduled new public roundtables and Congress introduced a stablecoin bill to address mounting calls for regulatory clarity.
This edition of Weekly Crypto Regulation News Roundup also covers Ripple’s settlement with the SEC, a split vote on a high-profile enforcement case involving Elon Musk, and a proposal in the UK to tax crypto transactions.
Here’s a breakdown of this week’s key developments.
SEC to Host Four Additional Crypto Roundtables
In a move toward increased public engagement, the SEC’s Crypto Task Force announced plans to host four additional public roundtables in Washington, D.C., this spring.
The initiative seeks to collect industry input on digital asset regulation and promote more transparent dialogue between regulators and crypto stakeholders. The decision follows criticism that the SEC has leaned too heavily on enforcement actions without providing clear compliance guidance.
Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, who formed the Crypto Task Force in January, stated that the agency intends to “draw clear regulatory lines, provide realistic paths to registration, craft sensible disclosure frameworks, and deploy enforcement resources judiciously.”
The scheduled roundtables indicate the SEC could be shifting toward a more collaborative approach to crypto oversight, a notable change from its previous enforcement-first posture.
SEC Launches Crypto 2.0 Task Force for Enhanced Oversight
Alongside its public outreach, the SEC also introduced a new enforcement initiative: Crypto 2.0.
This effort includes the formation of a Presidential Task Force on Cryptocurrency, which seeks to increase oversight of both on-chain and off-chain digital asset transactions.
A central focus is to apply the same trade reporting standards used in traditional securities to crypto activity, particularly off-chain trades.
To support this, the SEC is building a Digital Asset Reporting and Tracking System (DART) to monitor crypto transactions across various platforms. By improving transparency in digital asset ownership and boosting compliance, the agency appears to be strengthening its position on regulating the sector.
While the SEC sharpened its focus on digital asset enforcement, Congress also moved forward on the legislative front.
Stablecoin Rules Advance as Congress Introduces STABLE Act
On March 26, Representatives Bryan Steil and French Hillbrought forward the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act.
The bill would create a clear regulatory framework for dollar-backed stablecoins, requiring issuers to follow strict financial rules, maintain transparent records, and uphold consumer protections.
This push comes amid heightened scrutiny over the systemic risks of unregulated stablecoins. With stablecoins playing a role in payments and remittances, lawmakers are emphasizing the need for oversight to reduce financial instability.
The bipartisan support behind the STABLE Act suggests it could become a foundation for broader digital asset legislation.
Ripple Settlement and SEC Division Mark Key Enforcement Shifts
In related crypto regulation news, Ripple reached a settlement with the SEC, ending a years-long legal dispute.
The company agreed to pay a $50 million penalty and will withdraw its cross-appeal in the ongoing XRP lawsuit. Originally facing a $125 million penalty, Ripple’s reduced fine marks a more favorable outcome.
The SEC also intends to lift an injunction blocking Ripple from selling XRP to institutional investors, signaling that the case may soon conclude.
Meanwhile, in a separate high-profile matter, Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda was reportedly the only commissioner to vote against suing Elon Musk over delayed disclosures related to stock purchases in X.
According to a Reuters report, the SEC’s five-member commission held a closed-door vote, with four commissioners supporting legal action. Uyeda’s dissent highlights internal divisions within the agency and may reflect a broader shift toward a more measured enforcement strategy—especially as Uyeda continues reshaping the SEC’s crypto oversight policies.
UK Considers Stamp Duty on Crypto Transactions
Outside the U.S., regulatory discussions also continued in the United Kingdom.
Lisa Gordon, Chair of UK investment bank Cavendish, suggested that a stamp duty be applied to cryptocurrency transactions. Gordon, who has held non-executive roles at major financial institutions, warned that the increase in crypto investments among British citizens raised concerns.
She argued that taxing crypto trades could help direct retail investment toward shares and other traditional assets.
The suggestion comes as the UK government continues shaping its crypto regulatory framework and could influence future digital asset tax policy. With global regulators taking new steps, the coming months will shape how digital asset policies develop.
Stay tuned to Weekly Crypto Regulation News Roundup for updates as the landscape continues to evolve.