SEC Steps Back from Memecoin Oversight, Says Commissioner Hester Peirce
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce has stated that the agency will no longer play an active role in regulating memecoins.
The remarks were made during an interview with CNBC at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.
SEC to Cease Enforcement in Memecoin Space
Peirce emphasized that despite growing investor interest in memecoins, individuals should not expect regulatory protection from the SEC in this area. “There is a lot of interest in memecoins, but people should know this: You should not expect SEC protection in these assets,” she said.
She compared the current memecoin trend to the rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in 2021, during which the SEC also opted to publicly clarify its non-intervention stance. Peirce argued that the agency should issue a similar statement regarding memecoins to avoid confusion about its regulatory intentions.
Focus Shifting to Rulemaking
Addressing concerns about the SEC’s shifting position, Peirce clarified that the decision is not politically driven but stems from the lack of clear regulatory guidelines. “We didn’t have clear rules. There were a lot of questions about how crypto activities intersect with securities laws,” she noted. The agency, she added, now aims to step back in order to focus on drafting well-defined regulations.
This move marks a notable shift in the SEC’s approach to emerging crypto assets, signaling a broader effort to establish clearer frameworks rather than pursuing enforcement in rapidly evolving, speculative sectors like memecoins.
Alexander Stefanov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alex is an experienced finance journalist and a cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain and fintech industries, he deeply understands the complex and constantly evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His passionate approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and insightful content. Follow up on his content to be up to date with the most important trends and topics.
