This scenario could see Gensler replaced by SEC’s Crypto Mom: Former SEC official

The United States securities regulator could entirely u-turn its method to crypto enforcement, depending on a key election in the United States in 2024, according to previous SEC authorities John Reed Stark.In an Aug. 13 tweet, the former SEC Office of Internet Enforcement chief predicted that a Republican President could considerably move the crypto-regulatory tide, including the potential visit of crypto-friendly Commissioner Hester Peirce to change Gary Gensler as the agencys chairman.There are presently a number of Republican candidates in the running.” Will the SEC Approve Any Of The Recent Bitcoin Spot ETF Applications?People frequently ask for my viewpoint on whether the SEC will approve any of the recent wave of bitcoin area ETF applications, which is a intriguing and crucial question.My take is that the current SEC will … pic.twitter.com/lPXebl03Y4— John Reed Stark (@JohnReedStark) August 13, 2023

Stark noted Peirces history of dissent and opposition to a lot of the regulators crypto-related enforcement, and described that if Peirce were to end up being the head of the SEC:” The world needs to expect that many U.S. SEC crypto-related enforcement and most crypto-related SEC disturbance would grind to a screeching stop.” Stark also accentuated the increasing polarization of crypto guideline within the SEC and U.S. politics more broadly. When Stark first began discussing crypto in 2017, he said that a varied scope of politicians held the exact same viewpoint, with then-President Donald Trump, Secretary Hilary Clinton and Congresswoman Maxine Waters all agreeing that crypto was a “unsafe and horrific plague.” Now, crypto has become a much more divisive problem. Republican prospect Ron de Santis stated he prepares to “protect” Bitcoin (BTC) and swore to ban reserve bank digital currencies (CBDCs) if elected President. On the other side of the fence, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has actually made a number of collective efforts to crack down on all forms of crypto in the nation, reaching forming an “anti-crypto army” as part of Senate re-election campaign.Until such a time when a Republican sits in the oval office, Stark stated it was not likely that the regulator would become anymore friendly towards crypto, anticipating that the SEC will reject the existing swathe of spot Bitcoin ETFs for a variety of “compelling” reasons.Citing an Aug. 8 Better Markets SEC Comment letter, Stark shared that area Bitcoin markets have a history of synthetically inflated trading volumes, are extremely focused within the hands of a few stars and count on a little group of select entities to keep the Bitcoin network. This reportedly leaves investors “extremely susceptible” to adjustment by bad actors.Better Markets letter to the SEC, advising a rejection of spot Bitcoin ETF items. Source: Better MarketsDespite a number of industry heavyweights from the world of conventional financing, such as BlackRock and Fidelity lodging applications for a spot Bitcoin ETF product, Stark thinks the SEC will ultimately turn down all of the exceptional filings. Publication: Blockchain video games arent actually decentralized … but thats about to alter

Other Questions People Ask

What could lead to Gensler being replaced by the SEC's Crypto Mom?

The potential for Gary Gensler to be replaced by Hester Peirce, known as the SEC's Crypto Mom, hinges on the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Former SEC official John Reed Stark suggests that a Republican president could significantly alter the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. If Peirce were to take over as chairman, Stark believes that enforcement actions against crypto would drastically decrease, reflecting her history of dissent against current regulatory practices.

How might a Republican presidency affect crypto regulation at the SEC?

A Republican presidency could lead to a substantial shift in the SEC's approach to cryptocurrency regulation, as indicated by John Reed Stark. He posits that under a Republican administration, particularly with Hester Peirce at the helm, many of the current enforcement actions could cease. This change could foster a more favorable environment for crypto innovation and investment, contrasting sharply with the current regulatory climate.

What are the implications of Hester Peirce potentially leading the SEC?

If Hester Peirce were to become the chairman of the SEC, it could signal a significant pivot in how the agency handles crypto-related matters. Stark emphasizes that Peirce's leadership might halt many enforcement actions and regulatory disruptions currently faced by the crypto industry. This shift could encourage greater participation from investors and companies in the crypto space, as regulatory clarity and support increase.

Why does John Reed Stark believe the SEC will reject Bitcoin ETF applications?

John Reed Stark anticipates that the SEC will reject recent Bitcoin spot ETF applications due to concerns about market integrity and investor protection. He cites issues such as artificially inflated trading volumes and market concentration as compelling reasons for rejection. Stark's insights suggest that until there is a significant change in leadership or political climate, the SEC is unlikely to adopt a more favorable stance toward these applications.

How has political polarization affected views on cryptocurrency regulation?

The political landscape surrounding cryptocurrency regulation has become increasingly polarized, as noted by John Reed Stark. In contrast to earlier bipartisan concerns about crypto, current views are sharply divided, with some politicians advocating for strict regulations while others support crypto innovation. This polarization complicates the regulatory environment and influences how agencies like the SEC approach enforcement and policy-making in the crypto sector.