Hyperliquid has launched the Hyperliquid Policy Center in Washington, D.C., to advocate for clearer regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi). The new nonprofit aims to focus on DeFi regulation and perpetual derivatives while engaging lawmakers and regulators. With prominent crypto lawyer Jake Chervinsky at the helm as CEO, the center plans to provide advocacy and research around policy issues impacting the decentralized financial space.
The initiative, funded by a $28 million contribution from the Hyper Foundation, aims to represent Hyperliquid’s ecosystem in policy discussions. The launch comes at a critical time when U.S. lawmakers are considering the future of blockchain technology and decentralized markets. With the financial markets shifting toward blockchain infrastructure, the new policy center seeks to address the gaps in U.S. regulations regarding decentralized systems.
Jake Chervinsky Leads the Hyperliquid Policy Center’s Efforts
Jake Chervinsky, a well-known advocate for DeFi policy, will lead the Hyperliquid Policy Center. He emphasized that the center is an independent organization focused on research and advocacy. The policy center’s mission is to ensure that DeFi can continue to thrive within the U.S. financial system. Chervinsky pointed out that while financial markets are increasingly moving to public blockchains, regulators have yet to create rules to accommodate decentralized systems like Hyperliquid.
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 also noted that DeFi platforms like Hyperliquid face regulatory challenges that were not foreseen in traditional financial laws. Hyperliquid itself operates on a public, permissionless blockchain and has grown to rival centralized exchanges in terms of liquidity. According to Chervinsky, current U.S. regulations do not fully align with decentralized technologies, which creates regulatory uncertainties.
Chervinsky explained that the Hyperliquid Policy Center will work directly with U.S. lawmakers and regulators to establish clearer rules for blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that U.S.-based companies can innovate and operate in the decentralized finance space without facing regulatory hurdles that could stifle growth.
Funding and Support from the Hyper Foundation
To support its efforts, the Hyper Foundation has contributed 1 million HYPE tokens, valued at $28 million. These tokens will be unstaked immediately and will help fund the creation of the Hyperliquid Policy Center. The foundation emphasized that this contribution demonstrates its commitment to the long-term success of the DeFi ecosystem in Washington, D.C.
The Hyper Foundation’s contribution not only helps launch the policy center but also ensures that the community has a voice in regulatory discussions. The foundation aims to help bridge the gap between the DeFi sector and policymakers. Through its contribution, the foundation hopes to elevate the discussion about decentralized finance at the federal level.
As part of its mission, the policy center will produce technical research, publish commentaries on proposed regulations, and answer questions related to decentralized markets. The center will also serve as a resource for lawmakers and regulators to better understand the technical aspects of DeFi.
The Policy Center’s Team and Focus Areas
The Hyperliquid Policy Center has also introduced its founding team, which includes Brad Bourque and Salah Ghazzal. Bourque, the new Policy Counsel, has previously worked with Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, bringing legal expertise to the center’s efforts. Ghazzal, the Policy Director, has experience working as a policy lead at Variant, further strengthening the team’s understanding of regulatory affairs.
The team will focus on several key areas, particularly decentralized finance and perpetual derivatives. They plan to contribute to ongoing policy debates and engage in discussions on how existing regulations apply to decentralized technologies. In addition to advocacy, the center will provide technical insights to help inform policymakers about how DeFi platforms operate and the risks involved.
The center also plans to dive deep into complex issues tied to decentralized markets. This includes providing feedback on proposed rules and offering recommendations for how regulations can be adapted to the evolving DeFi landscape.
The Hyperliquid Policy Center and the CLARITY Act
The launch of the Hyperliquid Policy Center coincides with ongoing discussions around the CLARITY Act, which is currently stalled in the Senate Banking Committee. The bill aims to divide oversight of digital assets, classifying them either as digital commodities under the CFTC or as investment contract assets under SEC rules. While the bill has faced delays, including the cancellation of markup sessions scheduled for January, it remains a key piece of legislation for the future of blockchain regulation in the U.S.
Jake Chervinsky has been vocal in his support for the CLARITY Act, calling for stronger protections for DeFi platforms during the legislative process. He has warned that the DeFi community needs clear protections in place for the industry to continue developing and evolving. Chervinsky has also emphasized the importance of safeguarding developers from legal liabilities while ensuring that DeFi platforms comply with applicable regulations.
As the Hyperliquid Policy Center begins its advocacy efforts, it will likely play a key role in pushing for stronger safeguards and clearer rules for the DeFi sector as the CLARITY Act moves forward.
The Future of DeFi Regulation and Advocacy
The Hyperliquid Policy Center’s launch highlights the growing need for clear regulatory frameworks around decentralized finance in the United States. As more financial services move to blockchain-based platforms, lawmakers will face increasing pressure to address the legal and regulatory challenges that these technologies present.
By focusing on education and advocacy, the Hyperliquid Policy Center aims to fill a critical gap in the current regulatory landscape. Its work will not only support the interests of the Hyperliquid ecosystem but also help shape the future of DeFi regulation in the U.S. Through its leadership and research, the center hopes to ensure that DeFi continues to thrive while operating within a clear and fair regulatory framework.
