The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) closed its investigation into Uniswap Labs on Feb. 25, 2025, ending a four-year probe without enforcement action, a move seen as part of a broader pivot toward crypto-friendly regulation under new leadership.
Crypto Industry Sees Relief as SEC Drops Uniswap Labs Investigation
The investigation, launched in 2021, centered on whether Uniswap operated as an unregistered securities exchange and if its UNI token constituted an unregistered security. It escalated in April 2024 when Uniswap received a Wells notice, signaling potential charges. The SEC’s decision to drop the case follows similar closures involving Coinbase, Robinhood Crypto, and Opensea.
The shift coincides with leadership changes at the SEC. Former Chair Gary Gensler, known for aggressive enforcement, resigned in January 2025. Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, appointed the same month, has prioritized clearer crypto guidelines, launching a task force to address regulatory ambiguity.
For Uniswap Labs, the closure removes legal uncertainty, allowing focus on platform development, including its recently launched Uniswap version four (v4). The decision also bolsters optimism in decentralized finance (DeFi), potentially encouraging innovation and investment amid expectations of a more collaborative regulatory approach.
The SEC’s stance aligns with the new Trump administration’s push to review existing regulations, though long-term impacts remain unclear. While the agency is expected to maintain oversight, industry advocates hope for reduced reliance on enforcement-driven policy.
Source: Bitcoin
