Consensys Founder Joseph Lubin Sees End To SEC’s Crypto Hostility Very Soon

As an analyst with extensive experience in the cryptocurrency industry, I am closely monitoring the developments between Consensys and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The recent closure of the SEC’s investigation into Ethereum is a significant step forward for the crypto industry, as it marks a potential shift away from regulatory antagonism towards a more constructive dialogue.


Joseph Lubin, founder of ConsenSys, has expressed hope that the contentious regulatory stance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) towards cryptocurrencies may soon ease. This optimism stems from the SEC’s recent announcement of closing its 14-month investigation into Ethereum (ETH), an event widely regarded as a significant victory for the crypto industry.

Consensys Founder On SEC’s Crypto Tactics

Lubin expressed his viewpoint regarding the investigation’s conclusion in a statement reported by Eleanor Terrett on X. He described it as a “required yet insufficient” action. Furthermore, he added that there should be a more effective method for market regulation than surprise inspections.

The Consensys founder additionally shared his optimism, stating, “We’re encouraged that some US regulatory opposition to crypto may be lessening. We anticipate that the US investor protection strategy will transition from its current aggressive approach.” However, despite this progress, Consensys intends to move forward with its ongoing lawsuit against the SEC, initiated in April.

I, as an analyst, would rephrase it this way: The original impetus behind this lawsuit was the SEC’s designation of Ethereum as a financial security, a classification that Consensys and many others in the crypto industry have strongly disputed. Now, the focus of the lawsuit has shifted towards gaining more definitive legal guidance on the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, Lubin emphasized the importance of establishing clear-cut regulations to address ongoing uncertainties.

The lawyer declared, “We will press on with our lawsuit against the SEC in Texas until we gain further clarification on Ethereum’s classification and establish clearer regulations for blockchain technology as a whole.”

SEC Closes Ethereum Investigation

Consensys hailed the end of the SEC investigation as a significant victory for the crypto industry. According to their statement, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) would no longer pursue claims that Ethereum sales were securities transactions. The probe, led by Gurbir Grewal, Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division, started in March 2023.

The SEC intended to examine individuals and businesses dealing with the purchase and sale of Ethereum, leading to a Wells notice being served on Consensys in April. This notice signaled the SEC’s plan to initiate legal action against the company. Besides Ethereum, Consensys has advocated for regulatory guidance regarding other aspects of their business, such as MetaMask Swaps and Staking.

The company is pursuing a court ruling stating that providing these features is lawful under securities regulations. They stress the importance of having definitive guidelines for the progression and usage of cryptocurrency technologies. Simultaneously, the SEC’s decision to drop their investigation arrives amidst growing excitement within the Ethereum community, specifically regarding the prospect of a Spot Ethereum ETF being approved.

Read More

2024-06-20 10:49