The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is ramping up its enforcement efforts in the crypto space, as regulators in the United States tighten their grip on the industry. In a recent job posting on its official website, the SEC announced that it is seeking to hire general attorneys for its Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit in its Division of Enforcement, with positions available in New York, New York, San Francisco, California, and Washington D.C.
The job posting details that the attorneys will be responsible for conducting “complex, fast-moving investigations” involving crypto asset securities and cyber issues. This move comes shortly after SEC Chairman Gary Gensler requested nearly $2.4 billion in funding to chase down crypto “misconduct,” signaling the regulator’s increased focus on the industry.
The SEC’s crackdown on the crypto community has been escalating over the past year, with multiple charges filed against companies and individuals. Just recently, the Beaxy cryptocurrency exchange shuttered after the SEC filed charges against its founder, and Japan-based decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) Sushi is facing a subpoena from the regulator.
The SEC’s digital assets enforcement squad, which was expanded under Gensler’s leadership, has nearly doubled in size with the addition of new staff. The agency is also planning to add more positions to the unit, highlighting the priority that digital assets enforcement has become for the SEC.
However, not everyone is in agreement with the SEC’s approach. Congressman Tom Emmer has called Gensler a “bad faith regulator” and questioned his methods of industry oversight. Some industry insiders are also concerned that the increasing regulatory scrutiny and new taxes directed towards the crypto industry may stifle innovation and hinder its growth.
The SEC’s intensified enforcement efforts could have repercussions on the metaverse and the crypto sector as a whole. As regulators tighten their grip on the industry, companies operating in the crypto space may face increased scrutiny and potential legal challenges. This could impact the pace of innovation and investment in the sector, as companies navigate regulatory hurdles and compliance requirements.
The crypto community will be closely watching the SEC’s enforcement actions and how they may shape the future of the industry. As the regulatory landscape evolves, companies and individuals involved in crypto assets and cyber issues will need to stay vigilant and ensure compliance with the changing regulatory requirements. With the SEC’s continued focus on digital assets enforcement, the crypto industry is likely to face increased regulatory scrutiny in the coming months, which could have far-reaching implications for its growth and development.