Hyperliquid launched the Hyperliquid Policy Center in Washington today to push for clearer U.S. rules for decentralized finance. The new nonprofit will focus on DeFi regulation and perpetual derivatives while engaging lawmakers and federal regulators. Prominent crypto lawyer Jake Chervinsky will serve as CEO as the group begins policy work tied to Hyperliquid’s ecosystem.
Hyperliquid Policy Center Launches With DeFi Focus in D.C.
On X, Jake Chervinsky called the Hyperliquid Policy Center an independent research and advocacy organization. He said the group will work to ensure DeFi can flourish in the United States. He also said financial markets are already moving onto public blockchains, while policymakers now face key regulatory decisions.
Chervinsky described Hyperliquid as a public, permissionless blockchain and a top decentralized exchange built by American developers. He added that its liquidity already rivals centralized exchanges. However, he stressed that U.S. financial regulations were not written for decentralized technology like Hyperliquid.
He said the Hyperliquid Policy Center exists to help solve that gap by working directly with lawmakers and regulators. According to Chervinsky, the goal is to establish clear rules so Americans can build and use blockchain-based financial infrastructure. He also said the group plans to go deeper into complex policy issues tied to decentralized markets.
Hyper Foundation Funds Effort With 1M HYPE Token Contribution
Hyperliquid said the Hyper Foundation will contribute 1 million HYPE tokens, worth $28 million, to support the creation of the Hyperliquid Policy Center. The foundation said the tokens would be unstaked later the same day. It also stated the Hyperliquid community will benefit from representation in Washington, D.C.
The organization also introduced its founding team, which includes Policy Counsel Brad Bourque and Policy Director Salah Ghazzal. Bourque previously worked at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, while Ghazzal previously served as policy lead at Variant.
The Hyperliquid Policy Center said it will publish technical research and comment on proposed rules and legislation. It also plans to answer policy questions tied to perpetual derivatives and decentralized markets. Additionally, the group said it will serve as a resource for policymakers seeking to understand how DeFi works.
Hyperliquid’s founder, Jeff Yan, said the ecosystem needed a policy voice in Washington. He added that Chervinsky was chosen based on his long-standing support for DeFi policy issues. The founder also said Hyperliquid’s decentralized development structure previously left it without a unified presence in major regulatory discussions. He stressed that the new policy effort will focus on education and advocacy.
CLARITY Act Stall and Chervinsky DeFi Push
The policy launch comes as the CLARITY Act remains stalled in the Senate Banking Committee. Markup sessions planned for January were canceled, and no new date has been set. The bill would divide oversight by classifying assets as digital commodities under the CFTC or investment contract assets under SEC rules.
Chervinsky has pushed for stronger DeFi safeguards during CLARITY Act negotiations. He has publicly said DeFi protections remain a key sticking point in the House-passed version. He has also called for stronger developer shields in the Senate and warned, “Protect DeFi or no deal.”
Meanwhile, journalist Eleanor Terret reported that the White House is considering another stablecoin yield meeting on Thursday. Terret said the potential meeting would include banks and crypto representatives, although plans are not finalized.