The Pi Core Team is currently not simply "waiting" for legislation - they are executing a "self-regulate to survive" strategy in a tightening regulatory environment.
Here is the real picture of what PCT is facing and why they have to make this move:
THE "DECENTRALIZATION" GAME TO DODGE LEGAL BLOWS
The CLARITY Act (currently the focal point of the US crypto industry) contains a key concept called the "Mature Blockchain Test". If a network is sufficiently decentralized, it can shift from strict SEC oversight (treated as a security) to CFTC oversight (treated as a commodity).
→ Why Pi needs this: PCT is making maximum efforts to prove Pi is not an illegal fundraising vehicle. Developing PiVerify or pushing the "Vibe Coder" ecosystem is not just about having apps - it's about showing the network is self-operating by the community rather than 100% controlled by a centralized "issuing organization".
SENSITIVITY TO KYC/AML REGULATIONS
With anti-money laundering (AML) and identity verification (KYC) regulations becoming a global standard (especially after the EU's MiCA took effect), Pi Network cannot "open the doors" broadly without ensuring every user has clear identification.
→ PCT's strategy: They use PiVerify as a legal "shield". If every transaction across the ecosystem passes through an identity filter like PiVerify, PCT can confidently tell regulators: "We control the flow of funds and block financial crime." This is how they "buy" safety before the government is forced to intervene.
THE "SUPPLY - DEMAND" PROBLEM (A DRY REALITY)
Even though you didn't ask about price, PCT is extremely afraid of opening Mainnet without real demand. If Mainnet opens at a time when the market is "starved" of applications, sell pressure from tens of millions of users would instantly crash the PI token's value, leading to a collapse of trust.
→ What PCT is really doing: They are trying to create demand "reservoirs" (PiVerify, Pi App Studio, staking programs) so that when Mainnet fully opens, there are already real businesses/users who need to buy PI to use it, rather than just miners selling for cash.
THE 2026 CONTEXT: A "SENSITIVE MOMENT"
You can clearly see it in recent updates (v24, v25.1, v26.0) - PCT keeps upgrading node technology and smart contracts. They are racing against time to: → Complete the infrastructure: Ensure the network is strong enough not to crash under real transaction volume from businesses. → Position the project: They don't want Pi to be branded a "scam coin" by the media. Staying silent about pricing or delaying Open Mainnet is how they keep distance from financial accusations until a solid legal framework is in place.
IN SUMMARY
PCT isn't just sitting and waiting. They are building a compliance infrastructure. They know well that if they end up in a US court without evidence of "real practical utility" and "strict identity management", the outcome would be extremely bad. Building PiVerify is essentially them "auditing" themselves before regulators do it for them.