Key Takeaways From The SEC’s 3rd Crypto Roundtable Focusing On Custody Issues

In a recent roundtable hosted by the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Crypto Task Force, industry leaders gathered to discuss the crypto custody for broker-dealers and investment advisers. 

Ryan Louvar, Chief Legal Officer and Head of Business and Legal Affairs for Digital Assets at WisdomTree, shared his insights following the event, highlighting the SEC’s renewed commitment to engaging with the cryptocurrency industry.

SEC’s Crypto Roundtable Highlights

Louvar described the roundtable as “extremely productive,” noting that the SEC, under new leadership, is serious about re-engaging with industry stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of practical discussions about how digital assets, blockchain technology, and tokenization fit into the current regulatory framework. 

The event facilitated a rich dialogue, according to a report by Eleanor Terret, showcasing the hard work of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force in fostering an environment conducive to open exchange.

The diversity of perspectives among panelists reportedly contributed to a constructive atmosphere, where the potential of digital assets was acknowledged alongside a commitment to maintaining strong investor protections. 

One of the most surprising aspects of the roundtable was the participants’ willingness to reconsider traditional regulatory assumptions, especially regarding custody. 

Several panelists noted that the existing custody frameworks for traditional financial instruments may not be suitable for digital assets maintained on blockchain networks. 

Open Dialogue On Regulatory Challenges

Louvar highlighted that the SEC’s acknowledgment of blockchain’s potential to enhance efficiency, transparency, and risk management is cruciall for developing regulations that not only protect investors but also encourage the growth of digital financial products.

Louvar expressed hope that the SEC Crypto Task Force recognized the feasibility of safe and compliant innovation in the realm of digital assets. He stressed that adapting custody structures is not about compromising protections, but rather about applying established principles—such as security, segregation, disclosure, and fiduciary responsibility—to a new technological context. 

He believes that thoughtful regulation can promote the development of responsible decentralized finance (DeFi) while upholding the high standards that have historically defined US markets.

Moving forward, Louvar sees a significant opportunity for the SEC to build on the momentum from the roundtable. He advocates for a phased approach to regulation, beginning with targeted guidance and evolving towards comprehensive rulemaking that addresses the specific characteristics of digital assets and blockchain technology. 

Key areas for development include clarifying how digital assets fit into existing custody rules and creating structured pathways for responsible self-custody.

Louvar also mentioned that WisdomTree’s New York trust company operates under stringent regulations set by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), qualifying as a “bank” under the current custody framework for investment advisers. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com