DeFi is going to Washington. Hyperliquid just made that official. The decentralized exchange announced the launch of the Hyperliquid Policy Center, a $28 million lobbying and regulatory initiative.
The move marks a significant shift for an industry that has traditionally operated at arm’s length from government.
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Jake Chervinsky takes the helm
Leading the charge is Jake Chervinsky, one of crypto’s most prominent legal voices.
Chervinsky previously held senior positions at the Blockchain Association and venture firm Variant. He knows Washington.
He knows crypto. And now he’s tasked with bridging the two. The center’s focus is clear: US regulation of DeFi and perpetual futures.
These are the products that have made Hyperliquid successful. They’re also the products that regulators are increasingly scrutinizing.
Strategic timing and commitment
The timing is strategic. The crypto industry is under unprecedented regulatory pressure.
The SEC has pursued enforcement actions against multiple DeFi protocols. Congress is debating stablecoin legislation.
The policy landscape is shifting, and Hyperliquid is positioning itself to influence that shift.
The $28 million commitment signals seriousness. This isn’t a token gesture. It’s a substantial investment in policy engagement.
For a DeFi protocol to allocate these resources to Washington speaks volumes about where the industry is heading.
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
Questions about DeFi’s identity
The initiative raises questions about DeFi’s identity. Is decentralized finance still decentralized if it’s actively engaging with regulators?
The purists would say no. The pragmatists would say engagement is necessary for survival. Hyperliquid is betting on pragmatism.
The protocol recognizes that DeFi can’t remain in regulatory limbo indefinitely. Either it helps shape the rules, or it lives under rules written without its input.
DeFi’s maturation signal
The move signals DeFi’s maturation. The industry is growing up. It’s recognizing that code isn’t law, and that regulatory engagement is part of building sustainable businesses.
Hyperliquid’s $28 million gamble could pay off. Or it could be money spent fighting a losing battle.
Either way, DeFi is now in Washington. And Washington is paying attention.
Crypto market researcher and external contributor at Kriptoworld
Wheel. Steam engine. Bitcoin.
📅 Published: February 20, 2026 • 🕓 Last updated: February 20, 2026
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