The Hyperliquid Policy Center (HPC), an independent, nonprofit research and advocacy organization, was founded on February 18, 2026, in Washington, DC. Led by veteran crypto attorney Jake Chervinsky, the organization aims to educate U.S. policymakers and advocate for practical, innovation-friendly regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi) and perpetual derivatives markets. Mr. Chervinsky previously held positions at Variant, the Blockchain Association and Compound.
Backed by an initial grant of one million HYPE tokens from the Hyper Foundation (valued at approximately $28-29 million at launch), HPC is focused on connecting legislators with blockchain technology, producing technical research, and advocating for clear rules that support on-chain financial infrastructure while addressing consumer protection: without outdated, enforcement-heavy approaches.
We are Hyperliquid Policy Center.
HPC is a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that aims to chart a clear path for decentralized finance to thrive in the United States.
We will present to policy makers @HyperliquidX and bridging the gap between law and next-generation market infrastructures. pic.twitter.com/9bbQZboJWs
– Hyperliquid Policy Center (@HyperliquidPC) February 18, 2026
EXPLORE: What is the next crypto to explode in 2026?
Hyperliquid Policy Center: Navigating the Legislative Landscape
The launch comes as the crypto industry increasingly formalizes its engagement with federal regulators. Beyond early avoidance of industry oversight, major platforms are now prioritizing direct advocacy to influence pending frameworks like the CLARITY Act.
Hyperliquid has recently strengthened its market presence through institutional measures, such as integrating Ripple Prime into its DeFi ecosystem. However, the lack of regulations suitable for decentralized protocols remains an obstacle. Analysts suggest that resolving these policy bottlenecks is critical, especially as regulatory changes are expected to determine the next market cycle.
EXPLORE: 10 new Binance announcements to watch out for in February 2026
Strategic direction and leadership
Operating as an independent 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, the HPC is supported by a $1 million contribution
THRESHING
$29.70
24h volatility:
1.7%
Market capitalization:
$7.08 billion
Flight. 24h:
$98.10 million
Hyper Foundation tokens, valued at approximately $29 million at the time of the announcement. Jake Chervinsky, formerly of the Blockchain Association and Variant Fund, is leading the initiative alongside policy advisor Brad Bourque and director Salah Ghazzal.
The center’s primary mandate is to educate legislators about the distinctions between centralized intermediaries and autonomous protocols. Chervinsky emphasized the need for this distinction in a statement regarding the launch:
“This technology is poised to become the foundation layer of the global financial system. The United States must now choose: Either we can adopt new rules that allow this innovation to thrive here at home, or we can wait and watch as other nations seize this opportunity.”
The organization will specifically target policies affecting perpetual futures and Hyperliquid’s expansion into predictive market contracts. By providing technical assistance on the bills, the HPC intends to demonstrate how decentralized infrastructure provides resilience unmatched by existing financial systems.
The center plans to specifically advocate for a “clear and regulated path” that accommodates blockchain-based financial infrastructure.
DISCOVER: Best Solana Meme Coins by Market Cap 2026
A unified voice for DeFi?
The creation of HPC marks a maturation point for DeFi protocols, which historically lacked the organized lobbying power of centralized exchanges. This proactive stance reflects similar legal strategies seen in the industry, such as Polymarket’s recent challenges to state-level restrictions.
As Congress considers new frameworks for digital assets in coming sessions, the availability of well-resourced advocacy groups like HPC could prove decisive. Their contribution can help ensure that decentralized technologies are not inadvertently stifled by rules originally designed for traditional intermediaries.
EXPLORE: What is the next crypto to explode in 2026?
following
Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article is intended to provide accurate and current information, but should not be considered financial or investment advice. Because market conditions can change quickly, we encourage you to verify the information for yourself and consult a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
Daniel Frances is a technical writer and Web3 educator specializing in macroeconomics and DeFi mechanics. Hailing from crypto since 2017, Daniel leverages his experience in on-chain analytics to write evidence-based reports and in-depth guides. He holds certifications from the Blockchain Council and is dedicated to providing “insight gain” that overcomes market hype to find real utility for blockchain.
