TLDR
- Hyper Foundation commits 1M HYPE tokens worth about $29M to fund the group.
- Jake Chervinsky will lead the Washington based Hyperliquid Policy Center.
- The group will focus on DeFi exchanges and perpetual futures regulation.
- Hyperliquid processed over $250B in perpetual trading volume last month.
Hyperliquid has launched a Washington based policy group backed by nearly $29 million in tokens. The move adds a new voice to the debate over decentralized finance regulation in the United States.
The new nonprofit, called the Hyperliquid Policy Center, will focus on rules for decentralized exchanges and perpetual futures markets. The initiative is funded by 1 million HYPE tokens from the Hyper Foundation.
New Policy Arm Backed by HYPE Tokens
The Hyper Foundation has committed 1 million HYPE tokens to support the policy center. The tokens are valued at about $29 million based on current market prices.
The funding will support research, policy engagement, and outreach with lawmakers. The organization will operate as a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C.
Jake Chervinsky will serve as founder and chief executive officer. He previously led policy efforts at the Blockchain Association and is known for his work on crypto regulation.
The Hyperliquid Policy Center has launched in Washington, D.C., with Jake Chervinsky as its first CEO, aiming to advance DeFi adoption in the U.S. and shape related legislation. The center will focus on promoting a regulatory framework for perpetuals (perps), which it argues are…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) February 18, 2026
In a statement, Chervinsky said financial markets are moving onto public blockchains. He said these systems offer efficiency, transparency, and resilience compared to legacy infrastructure.
He also said the United States faces a choice on crypto policy. “We can either adopt new rules that allow this innovation to flourish here at home, or we can wait and watch as other nations seize the opportunity,” he said.
Focus on DeFi and Perpetual Futures
The policy center will focus on decentralized exchanges and blockchain based market systems. A key area of attention will be perpetual futures products.
Perpetual futures allow traders to hold leveraged positions without expiration dates. These products are widely used on offshore platforms but remain unclear under US law.
Lawmakers and federal agencies are debating how to oversee crypto trading platforms. Discussions include how securities and commodities laws apply to decentralized systems.
The Hyperliquid Policy Center plans to brief lawmakers and regulators. It will also publish technical research and propose frameworks tailored to decentralized networks.
The group enters a policy environment that already includes several crypto organizations. These include the DeFi Education Fund, Solana Policy Institute, Digital Chamber, Blockchain Association, and Crypto Council for Innovation.
Hyperliquid Market Growth
Hyperliquid operates a decentralized exchange built on blockchain infrastructure. Users trade perpetual futures directly onchain without a central intermediary.
Trades settle on blockchain rails rather than through brokers or clearinghouses. This structure is designed to reduce reliance on traditional financial intermediaries.
According to DefiLlama data, Hyperliquid processed more than $250 billion in perpetual futures trading last month. It also recorded $6.6 billion in spot trading volume during the same period.
The exchange has grown quickly within the crypto derivatives market. Its trading volumes place it among the most active decentralized derivatives platforms.
The launch of the policy center comes as Senate negotiations continue on legislation that may define US DeFi rules. The outcome of these talks could shape how decentralized platforms operate domestically.
By creating a dedicated policy arm, Hyperliquid is positioning itself within the ongoing regulatory debate. The $29 million token backing provides substantial resources compared to some existing crypto advocacy groups.
Public filings show that other industry groups have operated with smaller annual budgets. The new initiative adds another well funded participant to Washington’s crypto policy landscape.
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