BlackRock Inc. held a closed-door meeting with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force on May 9, raising speculation about potential shifts in crypto regulation. The high-level discussions focused on critical issues that could significantly alter how digital assets are regulated and adopted in traditional markets.
According to information shared following the meeting, BlackRock seeks clear regulatory guidance on crypto staking, tokenizing real-world assets, and updated standards for crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). These areas are considered central to integrating blockchain into traditional financial systems.
The asset manager oversees more than $10 trillion in assets and is actively working to tokenize the U.S. equity markets. Its vision includes expanding blockchain access to global investors seeking traditional financial products delivered through decentralized infrastructure.
Moreover, BlackRock’s crypto products are already gaining strong traction. The spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, has pulled in a net inflow of $44 billion and now manages $62.91 billion in assets. Meanwhile, its Ethereum ETF, ETHA, has recorded $4.2 billion in inflows, with current assets under management at $2.6 billion.
Key Issues Discussed Could Trigger Regulatory Shifts
At the center of the discussions was crypto staking, a feature that could reshape yield generation in digital finance. BlackRock presented ideas on how staking could be integrated into ETPs and what regulatory frameworks would be required to support this.
Another key topic was the approval process for crypto-related ETPs. The meeting explored what standards the SEC considers necessary for product approval, especially as institutional demand for crypto exposure grows.
Additionally, BlackRock pushed for clarity on the treatment of tokenized real-world assets. This includes digitizing traditional assets such as equities and bonds to be traded or held on blockchain platforms.
Under the direction of SEC Chair Paul Atkins, the Crypto Task Force is expected to weigh these proposals carefully. BlackRock’s ability to influence regulatory direction through such meetings could have lasting impacts across traditional and digital financial markets.
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