The SEC is restructuring its crypto enforcement team, reassigning key personnel, and signaling a shift toward more crypto-friendly policies under the new administration.
Regulatory Overhaul Signals Pro-Crypto Direction
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is undergoing a major restructuring, marking a potential shift in its stance toward cryptocurrency regulation. Under new Republican leadership, key personnel responsible for aggressive enforcement actions against digital asset firms have been reassigned, signaling a more lenient approach to crypto oversight.
Jorge Tenreiro, the SEC’s lead litigator in high-profile crypto cases, has been moved to the agency’s information technology division. Similarly, Natasha Guinan, a senior attorney involved in drafting controversial accounting policies that complicated banks’ ability to hold digital assets, has been reassigned. These changes indicate a significant policy reversal, aligning with broader political and industry-driven calls for regulatory reform.
Trump Administration Pushes for Crypto-Friendly Policies
This shift comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 23, 2025, titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology.” The directive calls for a new regulatory framework supporting blockchain innovation and the growth of digital assets. The administration’s pro-crypto stance, combined with significant lobbying efforts from the industry, has led to a reassessment of the SEC’s enforcement priorities.
SEC Leadership Restructures Crypto Oversight
Following the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, Acting SEC Chairman Mark Uyeda has initiated a reevaluation of the agency’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation. Uyeda has established a dedicated crypto task force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, a longtime critic of the SEC’s previous enforcement-heavy strategy. Peirce has outlined ten priorities aimed at providing clearer guidelines for the industry, emphasizing transparency and regulatory certainty.
Impact on Ongoing Crypto Lawsuits
Industry analysts believe this restructuring could lead to more favorable outcomes for companies currently battling the SEC in court. Cases against firms like Coinbase Global and other crypto exchanges may be reevaluated, with potential settlements or even dismissals now on the table.
The SEC’s decision to revoke Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB 121), which had restricted banks from holding crypto assets, further underscores its evolving stance. While critics argue that regulatory uncertainty remains, the recent personnel shifts suggest that enforcement actions may become less aggressive under the current leadership.
What’s Next for Crypto Regulation?
With Republican leadership now influencing the SEC’s agenda, the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S. appears to be shifting. The agency’s restructuring efforts suggest a move away from litigation-heavy enforcement toward a framework that fosters industry growth.
As the SEC continues to redefine its role in digital asset regulation, crypto firms and investors should stay informed about upcoming policy changes. Market participants are advised to monitor developments closely as the agency navigates its evolving regulatory landscape.
