SEC Cuts Crypto Enforcement, Reassigns 50 Staff Amid Policy Shift

The SEC is reducing its crypto enforcement team, shifting over 50 lawyers and staff to different roles. This move signals a shift in the federal approach to digital asset regulation under President Trump’s administration. The downsizing follows an executive order aimed at fostering digital asset growth by easing regulatory restrictions. As part of this, several SEC lawyers handling crypto cases are being reassigned. A New York Times report revealed that a senior attorney was transferred out of the enforcement division, and some insiders see this as an unfair demotion. Analyst Eric Balchunas noted, “The SEC is scaling back its crypto enforcement unit. Some of the 50 lawyers and staff dedicated to enforcement are being reassigned.” This reassignment has raised questions about the future of high-profile cases, including the long-running lawsuit against Ripple . While the lawsuit has been removed from the SEC’s website, it has not been officially dismissed, leaving room for speculation. In response, Acting SEC Chairman Mark Uyeda has formed a new task force to reassess the agency’s digital asset strategy. This task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce , is expected to review asset classifications and reassign certain enforcement duties outside of the SEC. Peirce, known for her pro-crypto stance, emphasized that SEC regulations still apply: “SEC rules will not let you do whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. Some of these rules will impose costs and other compliance burdens that some may find irritating, and the Commission will use its enforcement tools when necessary to pursue noncompliance.” Meanwhile, the White House is advancing its own crypto agenda. Crypto Czar David Sacks , alongside Senate leaders, held a press conference to outline the goals of the newly established Digital Assets Working Group . Sacks revealed that one of their main objectives is to explore creating a national Bitcoin reserve , with 15 states currently considering Bitcoin as a strategic asset. Additionally, a new stablecoin bill is being introduced in Congress. These recent developments suggest that both the SEC and the US government are taking major steps toward clearer regulations for the crypto industry.