According to Atkins, regulatory structures failed to keep pace with technological innovation, creating uncertainty for market participants. In his view, the gap between innovation and oversight weakened the country’s ability to lead in a rapidly developing sector.

The Gensler Era: Enforcement-First Oversight

Under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the agency adopted a cautious and enforcement-driven stance toward crypto. A substantial number of digital assets were treated as securities, and numerous enforcement actions were brought against firms—primarily over registration-related violations.

While this approach aimed to protect investors and enforce compliance, critics within the industry argued that regulatory clarity was lacking. Rather than establishing forward-looking frameworks, the SEC relied heavily on litigation, which many believed slowed innovation and discouraged institutional development in the sector.

A More Constructive Regulatory Direction

With the Trump administration in office, the SEC’s tone toward crypto has shifted. The agency has formed a dedicated crypto task force and withdrawn several high-profile enforcement cases initiated during the previous period. In addition, it launched “Project Crypto,” an initiative designed to modernize regulatory standards and adapt them to emerging financial technologies.

Atkins has acknowledged the volatility inherent in individual cryptocurrencies but has expressed strong support for the broader potential of distributed ledger technology (DLT). He highlighted its possible applications in payment infrastructure, clearing, and settlement systems—areas where blockchain-based efficiencies could significantly reshape financial operations.

Tokenization and the 24/7 Market Vision

A notable milestone came with the SEC granting exemptive relief to WisdomTree for its Treasury Money Market Digital Fund. The approval allows 24/7 trading and instant settlement—an unprecedented development in the U.S. market for tokenized money market products.

Atkins also indicated that tokenized bank deposits may be the next step. These developments suggest a broader transition toward on-chain financial infrastructure, signaling an effort to modernize U.S. markets and regain leadership in digital finance.

This content does not constitute investment advice.

Also, in the comment section, you can freely share your comments and opinions about the topic. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Telegram, YouTube and Twitter for the latest news and updates.

The post SEC Signals a Strategic Reset in Crypto Policy appeared first on Coin Engineer.

What Are the Claims?

1. Sam Bankman-Fried and Bobby Adams Meeting
   According to the claim, a meeting took place between SBF and Bobby Adams prior to the FTX era. If you are wondering who Bobby Adams is, he is a player in the crypto sector. In the meeting, it was mentioned that SEC Chairman Gensler was planning to classify major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, as “securities.” If this plan had been realized, it would have imposed a heavy burden on the crypto market. The outcome would have been a significantly broad and comprehensive authority for the SEC over the crypto market.

2. Making FTX a Leader Through a Single License
   The situation had become so intense that the push for everything to be done through FTX grew stronger every day. There was a plan in place, which aimed for FTX to legally dominate all crypto trading in the U.S. What did this plan entail? It was actually quite clear: FTX would obtain the sole brokerage license, and the ongoing institution associated with SBF would receive the exclusive exchange license. Thanks to this arrangement, virtually all legal crypto trading in the U.S. would have been conducted exclusively through FTX.

3. Was There Really a Plan to Collapse the Sector?
   According to Bobby Adams, SBF was engaged in very deep discussions with Gensler. SBF wanted the SEC to have full control over BTC and ETH in exchange for dominating the U.S. market. Before the major collapse, SBF asked Bobby Adams to support regulations that could harm the crypto market. However, Bobby Adams opposed and did not support this initiative requested by SBF.

4. Did the FTX Collapse Foil Gensler’s Plan?
   Ironically, Bobby Adams notes that the collapse of FTX ended up benefiting the crypto market, preventing the plan from being executed. According to him, if FTX had remained operational, the SEC’s aggressive control plan could have been implemented much more easily.

This article will also catch your attention: Today’s Top Gainers, Losers, and Trending Crypto Coins!

Could Gary Gensler Have Done This?

The claims are indeed significant. However, considering the crypto market is a vast sector, the possibility of such an operation cannot be entirely dismissed. Looking back at Gensler’s past public statements, there are clear contradictions. For example:

• Gensler repeatedly stated that Bitcoin is not a security. In a 2018 speech, he mentioned that Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash are not securities.
• Emphasizing investor protection, the SEC’s objective has always been to eliminate illegal and unregistered token projects.
• In a recent interview, Gensler stated, “The SEC has never classified BTC and ETH as securities.”

Gary Gensler’s stance contradicts all the claims made by Bobby Adams. However, these claims have not yet been officially refuted.

For the latest breaking crypto news, click here

The post Did Gary Gensler Want to Crash the Crypto Market? appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Transition from the Gensler Era to Atkins Leadership

Under former chair Gary Gensler, the SEC was known for its tough stance against crypto companies. Numerous lawsuits and sanctions had put pressure on the industry. However, with new chair Paul Atkins, the approach is changing.

The GENIUS Act and the U.S. Crypto Vision

This policy change has emerged along with the recently passed GENIUS Act. With this move, the U.S. aims to position itself as the global crypto hub.

The innovation exemption will temporarily ease certain securities regulations. This will allow companies to:

• Enter the market with lower compliance costs,

• Develop products more quickly,

• While still considering investor protection requirements.

What Does It Mean for Crypto Firms?

The new regulation could reduce the outflow of projects abroad and encourage innovative ventures to remain in the U.S. In particular, the requirement for stablecoins to hold 1:1 dollar reserves shows that the exemption will be balanced with investor safety.

Market Effects and Political Implications

Leading crypto assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are expected to gain value in the short term thanks to positive sentiment.

SEC Chair Atkins expressed his optimism for the future of blockchain with the words, “Any asset that can be tokenized will be tokenized.” This policy follows a pro-crypto line consistent with the Trump administration’s approach.

On the other hand, figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren argue that such a step may create gaps in consumer protections, voicing their criticisms.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post SEC Prepares “Innovation Exemption” for Crypto Firms! appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Gensler’s View on Crypto and SEC Enforcement 

Gary Gensler expressed pride in the SEC’s enforcement actions in the crypto space. Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” he described most cryptocurrencies as highly speculative and risky, while noting Bitcoin stands out in this regard. 

During his tenure, Gensler pursued cases against major crypto companies, including Ripple, Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. Unlike the SEC under Paul Atkins, his administration did not retract decisions and was often criticized for not providing clear market rules. Gensler emphasized that investor protection remained the top priority, highlighting that most tokens lack intrinsic value. 

• SEC enforcement actions in the crypto market 
• Ripple and other major crypto lawsuits 
• Focus on investor protection 

Bitcoin and Token Assessment 

Gensler distinguished Bitcoin from other tokens, noting most are speculative and lack a foundation. Excluding Bitcoin, there are between 5,000 and 10,000 other tokens, and the majority have no real backing. These remarks sparked speculation in the crypto community about whether Gensler is a “Bitcoin maximalist.” 

Furthermore, his comments preceded key developments such as spot Bitcoin ETF approvals, reinforcing Bitcoin as a safer option for institutional and retail investors alike. 

Crypto Community Reactions and Market Implications 

Reactions to Gensler’s statements were mixed within the crypto community. Tyler Winklevoss criticized him, while Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong adopted a constructive tone, highlighting the importance of clear regulations. 

These remarks underscore the need for investors to carefully assess the fundamentals of most tokens and closely monitor market developments. In addition, improvements in market structure and investor protection measures are seen as steps toward greater transparency in the sector. 

You can freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, please don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates instantly.

The post Gary Gensler Sparks Debate With Crypto Market Statements appeared first on Coin Engineer.

“We’re Not Going to Kick Down the Door”

In a recent interview, Atkins underlined that sudden enforcement actions for technical violations are no longer the norm. Instead, businesses will be given the opportunity to address issues ahead of time. “It’s not right to suddenly knock on a company’s door and impose penalties over a minor technical breach. Firms should expect to be notified first,” Atkins explained.

A Break from the Gensler Era

This policy marks a clear departure from the approach under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. During his tenure, the SEC launched high-profile lawsuits against some of the biggest names in crypto, including Ripple Labs (2020), Terraform Labs (2022), and exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken in 2023. These actions not only disrupted the industry but also cost companies billions in legal fees.

Ending the “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later” Approach

Atkins criticized past enforcement decisions, noting that many lacked legal precedent and predictability. “The SEC was acting without clear grounding, often shooting first and asking questions later,” he said. Under his leadership, businesses could be granted up to six months to make necessary adjustments before enforcement measures are considered.

Most Tokens Are Not Securities

Another significant shift is Atkins’ stance on digital assets. He argued that the majority of cryptocurrencies should not fall under securities laws. Moreover, he expressed support for tokenized versions of stocks and bonds, stressing that they should carry the same legal rights as their underlying traditional assets.

Signs of a New Era at the SEC

Following his confirmation on April 9, Atkins has already begun restructuring the agency’s approach to digital assets. The SEC has formed a dedicated “Crypto Task Force” to work more closely with the industry, while several investigations and enforcement actions initiated under the previous leadership have been dropped.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post SEC Chair Atkins: “Notice Before Enforcement!” appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Why an XRP Deal Over the Weekend Is Unrealistic

Taking to social media platform X, Fagel addressed growing rumors that Judge Analisa Torres could issue a ruling over the weekend. His response was firm:

“Nothing gets resolved over the weekend. There’s a process involved.”

According to Fagel, SEC enforcement actions usually take one to two months for internal review and voting before any formal action is taken. Additionally, for a court decision or a mutual settlement between the parties, several official steps must be completed — making a quick outcome improbable at this point.

Judge Torres Has No Current Jurisdiction

Fagel also highlighted an important legal point: Judge Torres currently has no active authority over the Ripple case. Legal expert James K. Filan previously echoed this sentiment, noting that there is no pending motion before her, which means she’s not in a position to issue a decision at this stage.

SEC Hasn’t Filed for Dismissal Yet

As Fagel explained, the SEC has not yet filed a motion to dismiss the case. Although the appeal window has now closed, any dismissal still requires a formal internal vote within the SEC. Only after that, both parties would need to jointly file a request to withdraw the case from court — a process that typically takes several weeks, not just a few days.

Why July 14 Became a Focus

The July 14 speculation originated from theories that Ripple aimed to align the lawsuit’s end with the rollout of the ISO 20022 financial messaging standard. But Fagel firmly denied any link between the lawsuit and that timeline, stating there’s no evidence of a pre-planned settlement connected to ISO updates.

Gensler Has No Ties to the Lawsuit’s Origin

Another circulating rumor was that former SEC Chair Gary Gensler played a role in the decision to sue Ripple. Fagel dismissed this entirely, pointing out that the lawsuit was initiated in 2020, before Gensler assumed office. He added that if investors suffered financial losses, Ripple, not the SEC, should be held accountable for allegedly offering unregistered securities.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post When Will the XRP Lawsuit End? Former SEC Attorney Weighs In appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Eric Council Jr. created fake identity documents and seized the SIM card linked to the SEC’s account. The company activated the new SIM card for the line associated with the SEC’s X account. Council received password reset messages through this line. He then accessed the X account and shared a fake Bitcoin ETF approval announcement.

This post quickly pushed Bitcoin’s price up within hours. Investors believed the announcement and acted accordingly. However, SEC Chair Gary Gensler promptly stated that the account had been hacked. Gensler warned investors about misinformation. The next day, on January 10, 2024, the SEC officially announced the Bitcoin ETF approval. Bitcoin’s price continued to rise following this news, eventually more than doubling to $103,876.

14 Months in Prison and Strict Conditions for Release

In June 2024, the FBI raided Council’s home. Authorities found searches like “Is the FBI watching me?” on his computer. This indicated the attack was deliberate and planned. Officials arrested Council in October. The court sentenced him to 14 months in prison and a $50,000 fine. Additionally, the judge banned him from accessing the dark web. He will remain on supervised release for three years and cannot engage in any identity fraud attempts.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro gave a clear message regarding the case:

“These schemes damage market trust. SIM swap fraud targets ordinary citizens and government agencies alike. No one should think they won’t get caught. Law enforcement will find you, bring you to justice, and make you pay.”

Digital Security is Essential for Everyone

This incident impacted not only major institutions like the SEC but also individual investors. Verifying the accuracy of news in the crypto market is crucial. Not every post on social media should be trusted. Investors should only consider official statements.

Moreover, it’s vital not to underestimate security vulnerabilities in the investment world. Ultimately, this case reminds us how critical digital identity security is. Social media account protection has become a key part of financial safety. In particular, government institutions must implement tighter safeguards.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post 14-Month Prison Sentence for Bitcoin ETF Tweet! appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Speaking at the SEC “Know Your Custodian” roundtable event on April 25, Peirce said, “It’s time to end this game. We need to turn on the lights and build walkways over the lava pit.”

Peirce explained that due to regulatory uncertainty, SEC-registered firms are forced to avoid direct engagement with crypto-related activities.

Investment Advisers Move Through Uncertainty

Peirce noted that investment advisers often do not know which crypto assets qualify as securities, which entities are considered qualified custodians, and whether “staking or exercising voting rights” would trigger custody violations.

You Might Be Interested In: Elon Musk Talks About the Name of a New Memecoin!

“In this regulatory game, if they misstep, they fall into burning legal lava—with no lamp to light the way,” she said.

Peirce also emphasized that brokers or alternative trading systems (ATS) that cannot custody or manage crypto assets will find it nearly impossible to facilitate trading, hindering the development of a strong market.

Signs of Change Within the SEC

SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for SEC registrants to access custodial solutions that meet legal requirements. Uyeda suggested allowing advisers to use state-chartered limited-purpose trust companies as qualified custodians.

Newly appointed SEC Chair Paul Atkins added that blockchain technology could bring “huge benefits” in efficiency, risk mitigation, transparency, and cost reduction. He stated that one of his main goals is to create “clear, fit-for-purpose regulatory rules” for digital assets, addressing the uncertainty left from former chair Gary Gensler’s tenure.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post Hester Peirce: “US Crypto Rules Are Like a Lava Game in the Dark” appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Stark: “Crypto Assets Are Still Securities”

Former SEC Internet Enforcement Director John Reed Stark opposed suggestions for regulatory reform. He argued that the Securities Acts of 1933 and 1934 shouldn’t be amended to accommodate digital assets, maintaining that crypto assets remain securities under current law.

You Might Be Interested In: Elon Musk Talks About the Name of a New Memecoin!

“People buying crypto are not collectors. They are investors, and the SEC’s mission is to protect investors,” Stark stated. He criticized crypto firms for using delay tactics and top legal representation, only to lose their cases.

“No Innovation in Crypto”

Stark also dismissed claims of innovation in the crypto space, arguing it doesn’t compare to major tech revolutions like the iPhone launch.

A Long-Time Crypto Critic

Stark has consistently criticized the cryptocurrency industry for lacking transparency and accountability. In February 2024, he likened the Dallas Mavericks’ sponsorship with Voyager to a deal with a “heroin manufacturing firm.”

While supporting Gary Gensler’s regulation-by-enforcement approach, Stark insists crypto must conform to existing laws. However, industry leaders like Mark Cuban have criticized his views, with Cuban labeling them “crypto derangement syndrome” in June 2023.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post John Reed Stark Opposes Crypto Regulation Reform! appeared first on Coin Engineer.

Among the delayed applications are Grayscale’s XRP ETF and Cboe BZX Exchange’s spot Solana ETF. The SEC has postponed its decisions on these products until May.

Considered Standard Procedure

Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart commented on March 11 that the SEC’s delay in ruling on these altcoin ETFs is not a cause for concern. Seyffart described the delay as “standard procedure” and noted it does not negatively impact the probability of approval. He also mentioned that Paul Atkins, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next SEC Chair, has yet to be confirmed. “This doesn’t change our (relatively high) odds of approval. Also, the final deadlines aren’t until October,” Seyffart said.

You Might Be Interested In: Elon Musk Talks About the Name of a New Memecoin!

Another Bloomberg ETF analyst, Eric Balchunas, added that “everything is delayed,” including ETF filings featuring Ethereum staking and in-kind redemptions.

Expectations High Under Trump Administration

In December, President Trump nominated pro-crypto businessman and former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins to lead the agency. However, Atkins’ Senate confirmation hearings have yet to be scheduled.

The SEC has a history of delaying ETF decisions. On February 28, the agency extended its review period for Cboe Exchange’s application to list options tied to Ethereum ETFs. Many altcoin ETF filings followed Trump’s election and the resignation of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

During Gensler’s tenure, the SEC took an aggressive regulatory stance toward crypto, with over 100 crypto-related enforcement actions between 2021 and his resignation in early 2024. Since Gensler’s departure, several firms previously facing legal action from the SEC, including Gemini (February 26) and Cumberland DRW (March 4), have had their cases dismissed.

Meanwhile, acting SEC Chairman Mark Uyeda has proposed abandoning parts of a rule change that would have expanded the regulation of alternative trading systems to include crypto firms.

You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.

The post SEC Delays Decisions on XRP, Solana, Litecoin, and Dogecoin ETFs! appeared first on Coin Engineer.