October 21-22, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
The Global Equity Crowdfunding Alliance (GECA) participated in the 2025 Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit, hosted by the Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) in Washington, D.C. Over two days, the most influential voices in capital formation – regulators, policymakers, economists, industry builders, and leading intermediaries – gathered to chart the future of regulated crowdfunding in the United States and beyond.
As the global alliance dedicated to harmonizing equity crowdfunding across borders, GECA was honored to contribute to one of the most substantive and forward-looking conferences the industry has hosted to date.
A Shared Presence: GECA Leaders at the CfPA Summit
The Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) is the leading convener of the U.S. regulated investment crowdfunding industry. Several GECA Steering Committee members were present at the Summit in their capacity as long-standing contributors and leaders within the CfPA community.
Seven GECA Steering Committee members attended in their primary roles as CfPA officers, platform executives and industry practitioners – bringing international insight shaped through their work with GECA.
GECA Steering Committee Members in Attendance
- Aaron Shafton – Managing Director, Dealmaker Securities
- Andrew Field – Executive Lead (UK), GECA
- Chris Lustrino – CEO, KingsCrowd
- Jason Fishman – CEO, Digital Niche Agency; Secretary, CfPA
- Scott McIntyre – Vice Chair, CfPA; Executive Director, WEconomy
- Vicky Barker – Head of Global Marketing, Dacxi Chain
- Meseret Warner – Founder & CEO, Ignite Capital
These individuals participated as CfPA leaders and industry experts – not as GECA delegates. Their dual involvement reflects the global perspective they contribute to both organizations.
Reflecting a Collaborative Industry
This shared presence highlights the natural alignment between CfPA’s U.S. leadership and GECA’s work on global harmonization. Many industry leaders support both missions, reinforcing a fundamental truth:
The future of regulated crowdfunding will be built through collaboration, not silos.
The Global Perspective: What GECA Contributed
During the summit, Andrew Field (GECA UK Executive Lead) delivered key remarks addressing:
- The global case for harmonized crowdfunding rules
- Lessons emerging from ECSPR in Europe and regulatory reform worldwide
- The need for interoperable due diligence standards
- The future of compliant cross-border deal sharing
- How national frameworks can evolve to embrace global investor participation
His contribution expanded the summit conversation beyond a U.S.-only lens – reinforcing that the future of capital formation is inherently global, digital, and collaborative.
What the CfPA Summit Revealed About the Industry’s Next Chapter
Throughout two intensive days, the summit demonstrated regulated crowdfunding’s clear evolution from niche fundraising tool to serious pillar of modern capital markets. Eight defining themes emerged:
1. Institutional-Grade Sophistication Is Entering the Market
From valuation discipline to accounting practices, investor communications, and compliance frameworks, the professionalization of the ecosystem is accelerating rapidly.
2. Community Investment Rounds Are Becoming Mainstream
Major brands including Picasso, EnergyX, and Newsmax demonstrated the power and inevitability of community-driven capital raises.
3. Retail Investors Increasingly Demand Private Market Access
Platforms, advisors, and regulators universally acknowledged this structural shift in investor expectations and market dynamics.
4. Liquidity and Secondary Markets Are Emerging as Defining Priorities
The industry’s future hinges on credible paths to liquidity – through alternative trading systems (ATSs), Reg A+, digital infrastructure, and compliant tokenization.
5. Quality Issuers and Investor Returns Will Determine Industry Growth
A consistent message from multiple speakers: the next phase of sector expansion will be led by performance, tangible outcomes, and long-term investor trust – not just volume.
6. Global Harmonization Is Now Recognized as Essential
Fragmented rules limit investor opportunity and constrain SME growth. The summit affirmed that cross-border regulatory alignment isn’t aspirational – it’s economically necessary.
7. Education Outperforms Advertising
Multiple presenters – including GECA Steering Committee members – emphasized that investor education is the most reliable driver of trust, conversion, and long-term retention.
8. The Industry Is Entering Large-Scale Brand Adoption
Participation from major media companies, global platforms, data firms, and venture-backed issuers highlighted the sector’s decisive movement into the mainstream.
GECA’s Strategic Takeaways
From a global vantage point, GECA identified key insights that will shape the next decade of crowdfunding:
Cross-Border Investment Readiness Must Be Prioritized Globally
Capital markets are global by nature; regulatory frameworks must evolve accordingly. The current fragmentation creates unnecessary friction for both issuers and investors.
Standardized Due Diligence and Issuer Disclosures Are the Foundation of Trust
Without consistency, retail investors cannot meaningfully evaluate opportunities across borders. Harmonized standards will unlock cross-border capital flows while maintaining investor protection.
The Future of Crowdfunding Is Hybrid
Community capital, institutional investment, and accredited investor participation will increasingly work together rather than in isolation.
Liquidity Will Define the Next Era
Secondary markets, compliant digital securities, and harmonized regulatory frameworks will unlock significant economic value and transform investor expectations.
Data and AI Will Transform Opportunity Discovery
Intelligent matching, personalization, identity verification, and risk assessment will become core components of market infrastructure – improving outcomes for all participants.
Alignment Between Major Markets Is Now a Global Priority
Coordination between U.S., EU, UK, and emerging-market frameworks has moved from “nice to have” to strategic imperative. GECA is uniquely positioned to facilitate this evolution.
GECA’s Role in the Global Ecosystem
The summit reinforced the vital importance of GECA’s mission:
To build a safe, trusted, and globally interconnected equity crowdfunding ecosystem that supports SMEs, empowers investors, and accelerates economic growth worldwide.
GECA continues to focus on:
- International regulatory harmonization – Working with regulators across jurisdictions to identify alignment opportunities
- Shared diligence and trust frameworks – Developing standards that work across borders
- Cross-border investment pathways – Creating practical mechanisms for international capital flows
- Research and data-sharing – Building the evidence base for effective policy
- Education for issuers and investors – Ensuring all participants understand opportunities and risks
- Convening global platforms – Bringing together market participants to align standards
- Collaboration with regulators and policymakers – Bridging the gap between industry innovation and regulatory frameworks
- Partnership with industry bodies – Working alongside organizations like CfPA to advance shared goals
GECA’s presence at the CfPA Summit highlighted the alliance’s unique role in bridging ecosystems, regions, and policy conversations that will shape the industry’s future.
A Message of Gratitude
GECA extends deep appreciation to:
- Jenny Kassan, President, CfPA
- The CfPA Board of Directors for their vision and leadership
- Panel moderators, speakers, and regulators who shared expertise and perspectives
- CfPA volunteers, sponsors, and industry partners who made the summit possible
The CfPA has demonstrated exceptional leadership in shaping the future of regulated crowdfunding. GECA is honored to stand alongside such a respected and mission-driven organization.
Moving Forward: A Shared Global Mission
GECA looks forward to building upon the momentum generated at the 2025 CfPA Summit – strengthening international collaboration, advancing global industry standards, and expanding access to capital for innovators, entrepreneurs, and communities worldwide.
Together, the industry can evolve regulated crowdfunding into a trillion-dollar global asset class, grounded in transparency, integrity, and cross-border cooperation.
The foundation has been laid. The path forward is clear. The work continues.
Join the Global Movement
If you would like to collaborate with GECA or learn more about our initiatives:
🌐 Visit: thegeca.org
📧 Contact: contact@thegeca.org
🔗 Connect: LinkedIn
🐦 Follow: @GecaOrg
About GECA
The Global Equity Crowdfunding Alliance (GECA) is an international organization dedicated to creating a borderless equity crowdfunding ecosystem. Through regulatory alignment, industry collaboration, and knowledge sharing, GECA works to unlock cross-border capital flows that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development worldwide.
About CfPA
The Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA) is the leading U.S. organization representing the regulated investment crowdfunding industry. Through advocacy, education, and community building, CfPA advances the growth and professionalization of equity crowdfunding while protecting investor interests and supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
