Ex-Chainlink Lawyer Named SEC Crypto Chief Counsel

• Taylor Lindman left Chainlink Labs to become chief counsel of the SEC Crypto Task Force.
• He replaces Michael Selig, who now chairs the CFTC.
• The appointment signals a deeper level of crypto industry expertise within the SEC.

Taylor Lindman has joined the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force as its new chief counsel. Lindman previously served as Deputy General Counsel at Chainlink Labs, where he spent over five years navigating digital asset regulation.

This was confirmed by Chainlink Labs in a statement, where they thanked him for his service to the company’s compliance and legal approach. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, who heads the Crypto Task Force, also welcomed Lindman to the team.

Lindman steps into the role previously held by Michael Selig, who left the SEC in December to become chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

A Key Legal Role at a Critical Time

As chief counsel, Lindman will serve as the senior legal advisor to the Crypto Task Force. He will guide legal interpretation, assess compliance frameworks, manage regulatory risk, and support strategic decision-making.

The Crypto Task Force plays a central role in shaping US digital asset policy. The SEC established the group after a shift toward a more crypto-friendly stance under the current administration. Since its formation, the task force has hosted industry roundtables and collected feedback from academics, developers, and market participants.

Lindman brings roughly a decade of legal experience to the commission. At Chainlink Labs, he oversaw regulatory compliance across US and international jurisdictions. He also participated in discussions with policymakers regarding token classification and securities record-keeping requirements.

From Private Practice to Public Service

Before joining Chainlink, Lindman worked as an associate at Perkins Coie and Debevoise & Plimpton. Both firms maintain strong reputations in securities law and digital asset advisory work.

While working with Chainlink, Lindman assisted in understanding the changing regulations related to blockchain infrastructure and decentralized oracle networks. His experience in token taxonomy and reporting for compliance might come in handy as the SEC further refines its regulations for the crypto market.

Industry Expertise Expands Within the SEC

Lindman joins a task force that already has a number of crypto industry veterans on board. Landon Zinda, who was previously policy director at Coin Center, is a senior advisor. Veronica Reynolds, another senior advisor, was previously at Baker Hostetler, where she concentrated on digital asset law.

The addition of crypto industry veterans indicates a shift in the SEC’s thinking. The SEC is no longer dependent on traditional securities lawyers. Instead, the SEC has brought on people who have direct experience with blockchain.

This leadership change could have implications for how the SEC views token classifications, custody rules, and disclosure levels. It has been argued that more defined rules will help facilitate innovation and institutional involvement.

The appointment of Lindman indicates that there will be continuity in the role of the SEC as it seeks to maintain enforcement power while providing defined guidance. With Michael Selig at the helm of the CFTC, both agencies have leaders who understand the crypto markets.

The future of crypto regulation in the US will be influenced by coordination between agencies**.** Lindman now sits at the center of that process, helping define how blockchain technology integrates into the broader financial system.

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