SEC Reportedly Scaling Back Crypto Enforcement Unit Amid Leadership Shakeup
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly reducing the size of its cryptocurrency enforcement unit, signaling a potential shift in the regulator’s approach to digital assets. According to a Feb. 4 report by The New York Times, several lawyers from the agency’s 50-person crypto enforcement unit will be reassigned to other divisions, with at least one high-ranking attorney moving out of the enforcement arm in what some described as an unfair demotion. The SEC has yet to comment on the reported restructuring. A Shift in SEC Strategy? This development follows a broader leadership shakeup at the agency, which has seen multiple high-profile departures in recent months. The restructuring also coincides with the agency’s Commissioner Hester Peirce’s recent remarks outlining a new regulatory approach to the crypto market, including reassessing the security status of digital assets and potentially providing retroactive relief for certain token offerings. Also read: Olas Secures $13.8M to Launch Pearl, the First AI Agent App Store Peirce compared the SEC’s past crypto enforcement strategy to a reckless driver “careening” down the road while continuously slamming on the brakes. She suggested that the newly announced Crypto Task Force should take a more measured and structured approach. Under previous leadership, the regulator pursued an aggressive stance against the crypto industry, launching 33 enforcement actions in 2024 alone, targeting 90 defendants and respondents, according to data from Cornerstone Research. However, the agency’s posture may now be softening. The reported changes come amid broader shifts in the SEC’s leadership structure. Former Chair Gary Gensler resigned on Jan. 20, and Gurbir Grewal, the agency’s chief enforcement officer, stepped down in October 2024. His successor, Sanjay Wadhwa, served as acting director before abruptly leaving the agency on Jan. 31 after more than two decades at the commission. Also read: ChatGPT’s Biggest Threat? Shocking Deepseek User Reviews These resignations and the downsizing of the crypto enforcement unit suggest that the SEC’s regulatory approach may be evolving. It remains to be seen whether this shift will lead to a more industry-friendly environment or simply a recalibration of enforcement priorities. Political Undercurrents The changes at the regulator have taken place in parallel with broader political shifts. President Donald Trump returned to office on Jan. 20, raising speculation that his administration may adopt a different stance on digital assets compared to the previous administration. The Trump-era SEC was known for a more hands-off approach to financial regulation, and his return could indicate a shift toward policies that favor innovation over enforcement-heavy oversight. Also read: US Treasury Faces Legal Heat for Giving Elon Musk’s DOGE Access to Sensitive Data While the SEC’s restructuring efforts continue to unfold, market participants will be watching closely to see how this impacts the agency’s regulatory agenda for the crypto industry.