Former SEC Chair Gensler Defends Stringent Crypto Regulation Amid Speculation Concerns

The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies in the U.S. is undergoing significant changes under President Donald Trump's administration, signaling a shift away from the aggressive enforcement approach of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Gensler, who served until January 2025, defended his stringent regulatory actions as necessary for investor protection, particularly in light of rampant fraud cases like Sam Bankman-Fried's, and emphasized the speculative and risky nature of most cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin. In contrast, the current SEC chair Paul Atkins has introduced a softer stance, including warning notices before enforcement actions, and President Trump has proposed reforms such as replacing quarterly corporate earnings reports with semiannual disclosures, which could impact public crypto companies. Additionally, the U.S. and UK are collaborating on digital asset regulation, particularly focusing on stablecoins, aiming to harmonize rules and boost cross-border investment. While Gensler's approach faced criticism for stifling innovation, the new SEC leadership is pursuing clearer guidelines and regulatory adaptation to blockchain-based finance, including withdrawing lawsuits against major crypto firms like Coinbase and Kraken. This evolving regulatory framework reflects a balance between protecting investors and fostering industry growth.