Hyperliquid is launching a new policy center in Washington, D.C., backed by approximately $29 million in funding.
Announced on Wednesday, February 18, the initiative aims to fight for clearer rules for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) in the United States. This significant move signals that the DeFi sector is maturing and ready to engage directly with lawmakers rather than staying in the shadows.
But will this investment be enough to gain regulatory clarity for crypto traders?
We are Hyperliquid Policy Center.
HPC is a research and advocacy nonprofit focused on advancing a clear path for decentralized finance to thrive in the USA.
We will introduce policymakers to @HyperliquidX and bridge the gap between law and next-generation market infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/9bbQZboJWs
— Hyperliquid Policy Center (@HyperliquidPC) February 18, 2026
The new center enters the scene as lawmakers debate bills like the CLARITY Act, trying to decide whether these platforms fall under the SEC’s or the CFTC’s jurisdiction. Without clear guidance, many DeFi platforms currently block U.S. users to avoid legal trouble.
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What The $29M Policy Center Means For DeFi Regulation
The Hyperliquid Policy Center is not branding itself as just another lobby shop. It is pitching itself as an independent research group, backed by 1 million HYPE tokens from the Hyper Foundation, worth about $29 million at launch. That is serious funding.
At the front is Jake Chervinsky, a familiar name in crypto law and former general counsel at the Blockchain Association.
1/ I am proud to announce the launch of Hyperliquid Policy Center, where I will serve as CEO.
HPC is an independent research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that DeFi can flourish in the United States.
The future of finance will be decentralized. https://t.co/ObDFGsjlwj
— Jake Chervinsky (@jchervinsky) February 18, 2026
He argues the U.S. risks falling behind if it keeps dragging its feet on blockchain policy. In his view, the country either builds smart rules now or watches other nations take the lead.
The focus is clear. Educate lawmakers on how decentralized derivatives actually function. DeFi protocols operate through code, not corporate executives. That difference often gets lost in Washington, leading to policies that treat them like traditional exchanges. The center aims to close that gap before regulation locks innovation out.
Ideally, this leads to legal ways for you to trade perpetuals in the U.S. However, industry observers note that lobbying is a long game. Without clear rules for now, engaging with offshore DeFi platforms still carries regulatory risks. The center hopes to fix this by advocating for laws that recognize DeFi’s unique structure and move beyond the current valid-or-invalid debate.
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