LAS VEGAS, Nevada — According to Hester Peirce, the head of the crypto task force at the SEC, crypto enthusiasts should not expect government intervention in adverse situations caused by their investments.

“I do think that sometimes, when something bad happens in this space, people who are remarkably free thinkers, libertarian-minded people, come in and say, ‘Where was the government? Why weren’t you protecting me? Hey, Crypto Mom, where’s my bailout?”

“C’mon, let’s have some consistency. Yes, you should have freedom to make your own choices, and when it goes wrong, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, learn from it and do better next time. This is the best way to move forward,” she emphasized at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas.

Peirce noted that the SEC is crafting policies to clarify which digital assets fall under its jurisdiction. She expressed that she is neutral regarding companies that include cryptocurrencies on their balance sheets, as long as they fulfill the required disclosures.

When questioned about the need for federal regulation, Peirce prompted her audience, many of whom were strongly against the idea, with one person shouting “NO!” in response, receiving her lighthearted confirmation.

“Be an adult,” she advised. “If you want to engage in speculation, go for it. But if something goes wrong, don’t come complaining to the government about it.”