The SEC is making significant changes to its crypto enforcement team. Over 50 lawyers and staff members are being reassigned to different roles.
This decision reflects a new approach to digital asset regulation under President Trump’s administration. The downsizing follows an executive order aimed at promoting digital asset growth by reducing regulatory barriers.
Some SEC lawyers who worked on crypto cases are being moved to other positions. A report from the New York Times mentioned that a senior attorney was transferred from the enforcement division, which some insiders view as an unfair demotion. Analyst Eric Balchunas confirmed that the SEC is indeed scaling back its crypto enforcement unit.
This shift raises concerns about ongoing high-profile cases, such as the lawsuit against Ripple. Although the case has been removed from the SEC’s website, it has not been officially dismissed, leaving uncertainty about its future.
In response to these changes, Acting SEC Chairman Mark Uyeda has created a new task force to review the agency’s digital asset strategy. This task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, will evaluate asset classifications and may reassign some enforcement responsibilities outside the SEC.
Peirce, who supports crypto, reminded everyone that SEC regulations are still in place. She stated that the rules can impose costs and compliance burdens, and the Commission will enforce these rules when necessary.
At the same time, the White House is pushing its own crypto agenda. Crypto Czar David Sacks, along with Senate leaders, held a press conference to discuss the goals of the new Digital Assets Working Group. One key goal is to explore the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve, with 15 states considering Bitcoin as a strategic asset. Additionally, a new stablecoin bill is being introduced in Congress.
These developments indicate that both the SEC and the US government are taking important steps toward clearer regulations for the crypto industry.
