The regulation of Bitcoin and digital assets is at the center of a lively debate, especially after the intervention of Hester Peirce, SEC commissioner, at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference.
During a direct and unfiltered conversation, Peirce addressed the agency’s enforcement priorities, regulatory uncertainty, and the importance of personal responsibility in the emerging financial world, positioning Bitcoin as a central and secure asset for the future of finance.
Enforcement priorities and public perception
During the event, Hailey Lennon from Fold asked what the current priorities of the SEC were regarding the enforcement of rules for digital assets. Peirce acknowledged the audience’s frustration regarding the perception of low activity. However, she explained that this apparent slowness hides intense work of analysis and comparison:
“Some people think we haven’t lifted a finger, but there is a lot to digest and we are involving many external perspectives to arrive at effective rules.”
This strategy indicates an inclusive approach, aimed at developing a regulatory framework that does not stifle innovation but protects investors and consumers.
A recurring theme in Peirce’s speech has been that of uncertain regulation, which poses significant risks to the digital asset market. According to the commissioner, regulatory uncertainty not only makes it difficult to identify and target wrongdoers, but also risks driving legitimate players out of the market.
“In an environment of regulatory uncertainty, the bad actors have more room to maneuver, while the valid ones risk leaving the country or the sector.”
Consequently, the priority should be to create an environment that is favorable to honest operators and hostile to those who act with fraudulent intentions.
Ecco cosa ha fatto la Crypto Task Force e alcune cose a cui stiamo pensando: https://t.co/YHXAYhr23P
— Hester Peirce (@HesterPeirce) 19 maggio 2025
Bitcoin: safe asset and example of financial freedom
During the discussion, the growing explosion of memecoin and speculative tokens was addressed clearly. Peirce warned investors with a strong reminder:
“If you think about buying a memecoin and becoming a billionaire, be careful: be an adult. If you want to speculate, do it, but if something goes wrong, don’t expect help from the government.”
This statement implicitly emphasizes the value and security of Bitcoin compared to many of the emerging cryptos, often more vulnerable to bull and bear speculative bubbles.
Peirce also reiterated that the government “works for the people” and urged the community to make their voices heard on issues such as surveillance and financial freedom. Not by chance, she emphasized:
“In the United States, freedom is fundamental. Freedom to innovate. And your voices are essential to help us reflect on these topics.”
This call for democratic involvement comes as an invitation to citizens, developers, and investors to actively participate in defining the rules of the game.
Bitcoin and the traditional financial system: the inevitable convergence
Another key point was the increase of Bitcoin within traditional finance. The question of how the SEC intends to handle this convergence received a pragmatic answer from Peirce:
“We cannot ignore the phenomenon. When users can freely use an asset, it will be integrated into traditional financial products.”
However, it highlighted that the process will need to be managed in a way to preserve the ability of people to transfer value autonomously, without losing the freedom that distinguishes Bitcoin from conventional financial instruments.
Shortly before the closing, Peirce reminded that innovation must not wait for government intervention. She encouraged participants to demand transparency and to learn from mistakes:
“Do not wait for the government. Demand transparency, learn from failures, get back up and improve each time.”
This philosophy reflects the decentralized and self-responsible nature of the crypto world, aiming for sustainable and conscious growth.
The legacy of Bitcoin according to the SEC: between freedom and innovation
Hester Peirce’s intervention at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference highlights how the regulation of Bitcoin is moving in a direction that balances the need for control and the desire for innovation. The SEC’s approach today seems oriented towards promoting a clear and inclusive regulatory environment, where controls against those who attempt to abuse the market act effectively, but without stifling the natural expansion of a financial asset like Bitcoin.
In this context, the key element remains personal freedom and the responsibility in participating in a rapidly changing financial system. The message addressed to investors and the community is clear: innovation requires courage, transparency, and active participation. Only in this way will it be possible to profoundly transform traditional finance, making Bitcoin a secure and recognized pillar.
