Hester Peirce Urges Early SEC Talks on Tokenized ETFs

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-17Last updated on 2026-03-17

Abstract

Hester Peirce, a commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has urged asset managers and crypto companies to engage with regulators early in the development of tokenized ETFs and other blockchain-based products. She emphasized that the SEC is open to discussing product design proactively rather than taking enforcement action after launch. Peirce encouraged direct submissions of proposals and highlighted the agency’s willingness to consider tailored exemptions for crypto firms. She also addressed the growing interest in tokenization and clarified that the SEC’s role is to ensure compliance with disclosure rules and legal limits, not to judge investment quality. The shift reflects changing perspectives on blockchain technology within the financial industry.

Hester Peirce has urged asset managers to engage regulators to clear a path for new exchange-traded structures and tokenized products.

As per the latest remarks to media and industry audiences, Peirce has publicly invited asset managers and crypto companies to come in and talk as they advance tokenized asset products, indicating that the agency is willing to engage early in product design instead of waiting until later to take enforcement action.

This quick move induced various reporters to reach out to the commissioner for further clarification. Replying to the request, Peirce mentioned that the agency wants companies to submit proposals directly as markets evolve.

Adding more to this, she highlighted the intentions of the agency for a more tailored revolution exemption for crypto firms and discussed oversight of leveraged ETFs. This was after Peirce suggested that companies advancing tokenized instruments involve the SEC during early advancement.

To break down her point for clear understanding, the commissioner further mentioned that they really want crypto firms to actively engage in dialogue with the agency regarding their intention.

The Changed Perspectives

Eventually, she made public the commitment of the SEC to collaborate with sponsors to assess market demand for these products. As per Peirce, blockchain-based securities are still under consideration by asset managers for inclusion in ETFs.

Adding more to this, she highlighted that the SEC prefers direct communication over informal compliance assumptions, further mentioning that staff expect more legal and technical questions as tokenisation surges.

Peirce evaluated that various companies showed heightened interest in tokenisation by submitting constant tokenisation proposals to the SEC. In this situation, she mentioned the perspectives of the people on blockchain technology have changed prominently recently, accepting that many individuals have approached them to highlight various advantages of tokenisation.

Regarding the focus of the SEC on highly leveraged exchange-traded funds, Peirce mentioned that the agency does not judge whether products are good investments but must make sure they comply with disclosure regulations and legal limits.

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