Crypto Rules Flip After SEC Boss Leaves
The Gensler Era Ends, Industry Breathes a Sigh of Relief
A year after Gary Gensler stepped down as the SEC Chair, the crypto world has undergone a dramatic transformation. Gensler's strict regulatory approach was met with resistance from the crypto industry, prompting companies like Ripple Labs to back crypto-friendly political candidates.
Trump's Appointment: A New Dawn for Crypto
When Trump took office, he appointed Mark Uyeda to lead the SEC, marking a significant shift in the agency's stance on crypto. Many pending cases and investigations were dropped, including those against Coinbase, Robinhood Crypto, and Uniswap Labs. The long-standing case against Ripple was also resolved.
Trump's Crypto Ties: A Conflict of Interest?
Some speculate that the SEC's softer approach to crypto is linked to Trump's deep ties to the industry. Trump and his family have been involved in crypto ventures, including World Liberty Financial and a memecoin called Official Trump (TRUMP), which have reportedly generated substantial profits.
The CLARITY Act: A Path Forward or a Dead End?
In 2025, the SEC held discussions with industry experts to draft new crypto regulations. However, the CLARITY Act, a bill aimed at establishing clear crypto rules, remains stalled in the Senate. Even Coinbase's CEO withdrew his support for the bill, casting doubt on its future.
The SEC's Changing Landscape
Following Gensler's departure, all Democratic commissioners at the SEC also left, leaving only Caroline Crenshaw, a known crypto skeptic. Crenshaw resigned in January 2026, and Trump has yet to announce plans to appoint new commissioners to restore balance.
Gensler's Return to Academia
Gensler has returned to teaching at MIT and continues to voice his opinions on crypto, labeling Bitcoin as a "speculative" asset.
