Coinbase Appeal & New Chair Nominated

• February 14, 2025, could be a significant day in the US crypto regulation.
• The SEC’s deadline to respond to Coinbase’s appeal request is on Friday.
• The crypto community’s focus is on the SEC’s February 14 decision.

Friday, February 14, 2025, could be a significant day in the US crypto regulation environment. That is the SEC’s deadline to respond to Coinbase’s request to file an appeal in the ongoing litigation between both entities. With Mark Uyeda serving as acting SEC chair, the outcome remains unpredictable. Veteran reporter Eleanor Terrett predicts one of four scenarios could unfold on Friday.

According to Terrett, the current SEC leadership has several options, including sticking with its style under former chair Gary Gensler and opposing Coinbase’s request to appeal. That would mean the SEC wants to argue that securities law applies to most crypto tokens. However, Terrett noted that acting SEC chair Uyeda and Commissioner Hester Pierce have, in the past, maintained that the law lacks clarity.

Related: Coinbase Granted Appeal in SEC Lawsuit, ‘Ripple Effects’ Anticipated

The SEC’s other option would be to avoid opposing Coinbase’s appeal, suggesting the SEC’s desire to resolve how securities laws apply to crypto. Terrett mentioned that the crypto task force already handles this issue as part of its mandate. Meanwhile, the SEC might delay its decision by asking for a deadline extension, signaling uncertainty about the case.

A more firm approach by the SEC would be to decide not to proceed with the case. That would be one of the most crypto-friendly developments from the Commission in a long time and could trigger a bullish sentiment in the crypto industry. Many crypto industry observers are keen on the situation, with February 14 potentially posing as a crucial date for the crypto industry.

Related: Coinbase CLO Urges Pro-Crypto SEC Reform After Trump’s Presidential Win

In the meantime, President Trump reportedly plans to nominate Brian Quintenz, another pro-crypto personality, as the new CFTC chair. Quintenz is known for his work on Bitcoin and Ethereum Futures. He is also renowned for advising Andreessen and Horowitz on crypto policies.