It is often said that crypto blends technology with belief systems. Thus, the ongoing regulatory shifts pose crucial questions about the core values of crypto, which often challenge established norms, while also igniting new possibilities.

With the upcoming regulatory roundtable at Consensus 2025, I engaged several experienced panelists known for their advocacy for sound regulation to share their thoughts on preserving crypto values amidst regulatory changes and the innovations that such reforms might enable.

You can catch Kayvan Sadeghi, Connor Spelliscy, Lewis Cohen, Michelle Ann Gitlitz, and David Adlerstein speaking at the People’s Regulatory Roundtable on May 14 at 10 a.m. on the Spotlight Stage. Moderated by Ivo Entchev, the session promises to delve deep into safeguarding essential values like privacy and decentralization through proper legislative frameworks.

KAYVAN: “Individual freedom and sovereignty are core values. Privacy and decentralization serve as means to achieve that sovereignty, often threatened by oversight and control.” Translation: Individual freedom and sovereignty are essential values. Privacy and decentralization are key to preserving that sovereignty, which can be jeopardized by surveillance and centralized control.

To ensure respect for these principles, we must focus conversations on how technology can meet legal objectives more effectively. For instance, instead of merely imposing stricter regulations to prevent exploitation, we could eliminate the central authority that fosters corruption entirely.

CONNOR: “Blockchain’s design offers extraordinary levels of security and transparency for users, especially when policies encourage decentralization.” Translation: Blockchain technology can provide users with exceptional transparency, reliability, and security if the policy environment supports its growth through incentives for decentralization.

If appropriately regulated, blockchain can enable ongoing decentralization, thus giving users more control over their finances and resources. Beyond finance, decentralized networks also pave the way for applications that enhance user autonomy.

LEWIS: “Core values aren’t just bound to technology; they emerge from the users and builders within the crypto space.” Translation: When discussing core values, my focus is on the values of the diverse community engaging in the crypto landscape, including personal sovereignty and decentralization.

Ultimately, thoughtful regulation not only aids innovation but also offers a pathway for businesses driven by community interaction. Training the regulatory lens on the positive impacts community-driven technologies can have will facilitate a more inviting ecosystem for both users and developers.

MICHELLE: “The strength of decentralization lies in its capacity to distribute power away from centralized bodies, ensuring true ownership.” Translation: For me, decentralization is pivotal because it empowers true ownership and transaction freedom by distributing control across networks rather than central authorities.

DAVID: “Recognizing the rights to property and the freedom to explore business ideas are fundamental to liberty.” Translation: The principles of recognized property rights, freedom of contract, and the ability for entrepreneurs to experiment are central to liberal democracies and foundational to crypto values.

Through coherent and balanced regulatory frameworks, crypto innovation can lead to transformative opportunities that harness technology while respecting user sovereignty and community values.