Gary Gensler Exits the SEC — Will Crypto Find New Horizons in 2025?

Gary Gensler, who served as the 33rd Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), officially ended his tenure on January 20, 2025.

Gensler joined the SEC in 2021, bringing with him a 30-year career that included roles as Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and a senior Treasury official.

“Today is Chair Gensler’s final day at the Securities & Exchange Commission,” SEC commissioners said in a statement on Monday.

The SEC commissioners extended their gratitude to Gensler and his staff for their service, noting his significant contributions to U.S. financial regulation. They emphasized his leadership and advocacy, bidding him farewell with the words, “So long for now.”

18% of SEC Cases Were Tied to Cryptocurrencies

Gensler’s tenure was a turbulent period for the cryptocurrency industry. From 2021 to 2025, the SEC, under his leadership, launched a string of enforcement actions against major crypto firms, including Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, accusing them of operating without proper registration. According to SEC records, crypto-related cases accounted for 18% of the agency’s complaints during his term.

He argued that most cryptocurrencies, including Solana, BNB, and Cardano, qualified as securities, thereby falling under the SEC’s jurisdiction. This position subjected countless crypto projects to stringent disclosure and compliance requirements, raising significant operational hurdles.

Critics accused Gensler of prioritizing enforcement over clarity, fostering an environment of regulatory uncertainty that stifled innovation. Industry leaders contended that unclear guidelines and aggressive crackdowns on unregistered activities hindered growth and discouraged investment in blockchain technologies.

Adding to the controversy, high-profile cases like the SEC’s action against Kim Kardashian for promoting a crypto asset without proper disclosures highlighted the agency’s focus on deterring misconduct. Yet, this approach fueled debates about whether enforcement alone could truly advance the crypto industry.

New Leadership Take on Crypto — What’s Ahead?

With Gensler stepping aside, the SEC is preparing for a shift in leadership. Dominic McKay is set to take over as Chief Executive in May, bringing fresh perspectives from his tenure as Executive Chairman of European Professional Club Rugby in Switzerland. Mark Ujeda, known for their more favorable attitude toward cryptocurrencies, replaces Gary Gensler as acting chair of the SEC.

Source: The White House

More significantly, Hester Peirce, widely known as “Crypto Mom,” is expected to play a larger role in shaping the SEC’s stance on digital assets. A vocal advocate for regulatory clarity and a measured approach to crypto, Peirce has consistently pushed back against the heavy-handed measures seen in Gensler’s term.

Image of Mark Ujeda | Source: APE

Additionally, Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner with ties to pro-crypto organizations, is also gaining influence. Atkins, who leads Digital Chamber’s Token Alliance, has long advocated for best practices within the crypto industry and opposed excessive penalties for securities violations. His leadership signals a more collaborative future for the relationship between regulators and blockchain innovators.

The crypto industry, buoyed by Bitcoin reaching a record high of about $109,000, is hopeful for a regulatory reset. With Gensler’s departure, there is growing anticipation that the SEC will adopt a more balanced approach, fostering innovation while maintaining oversight.