SEC Commissioner Peirce is Coming to Chicago - Why This Matters for Builders and Investors

For years, crypto builders have faced an uncertain regulatory landscape. Too often, the SEC has stepped beyond its role of protecting investors by trying to dictate what people should or shouldn’t build, or what they should or shouldn’t invest in. That’s not freedom, and it’s not fair.

That’s why I’m excited to share an important opportunity happening here in Chicago on September 15th: SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, one of the few regulators in Washington consistently fighting for crypto innovation, will be visiting to meet directly with builders and investors.

Why Hester Matters

Commissioner Peirce has been a leading voice for fairness and clarity in crypto regulation. Appointed to the SEC in 2018, she has earned the nickname “Crypto Mom” for her willingness to challenge the agency’s heavy-handed enforcement approach and push for clear rules that give entrepreneurs room to innovate. She has advocated for safe harbors for token projects, protections for small builders, and a regulatory environment that encourages—not stifles—new ideas.

Simply put, Hester Peirce has been one of the strongest allies our community has in Washington.

Her proposals for a safe harbor framework for token projects demonstrate her commitment to giving builders the breathing room they need to innovate without fear of arbitrary action. Equally important, she has long questioned the accredited investor definition, a rule that effectively tells Americans what they can and cannot invest in, based not on knowledge or risk tolerance but on income and wealth.

I’ve spoken with Commissioner Peirce about this issue directly, and she has been clear: it is unfair to lock everyday people out of opportunities simply because of their financial status. Crypto should be open to everyone, not just the wealthy or well-connected.

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A First-of-Its-Kind Builder Roundtable

Together with the Crypto Task Force, Commissioner Peirce is hosting a private roundtable in Chicago on September 15th with a small group of early-stage builders. This is an opportunity for our supporters to directly share their stories and perspectives with the SEC.

If you are a builder and want to be considered for participation, please reach out to me directly. This is our chance to make sure the voices of innovators are heard where it matters most.

Fireside Chat – September 15th at 5:00 PM

We are also proud to sponsor a fireside chat with Commissioner Hester Peirce, hosted by the Illinois Blockchain Association.

📍 CoinFlip, 433 W. Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
📅 Monday, September 15th
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Space is limited and registration is subject to approval. Please register here: Request to Join

This event will feature a social gathering followed by a conversation moderated by Will Lawson, a Chicago-based founder and IBA board member. It’s a chance to hear directly from Commissioner Peirce and connect with other leaders building the digital future.

Standing Up for Fair Markets

Commissioner Hester Peirce has consistently reminded Washington that the SEC’s job is to protect investors and ensure fair markets, not to dictate which technologies survive or who gets access to opportunities. Her visit to Chicago is a chance for our community to directly shape the conversation about the future of crypto.

If you are a builder, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard at the roundtable. If you are an investor or supporter, join us at the fireside chat to show that the demand for freedom, fairness, and innovation in crypto is strong here in the Midwest.