Ripple CEO Takes Aim at Anti-Crypto SEC Commissioner

As a researcher with a background in finance and securities law, I have closely followed the developments surrounding U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw and her stance on cryptocurrency regulation. Based on my analysis of available information, it is clear that Crenshaw has gained significant attention within the crypto industry due to her seemingly anti-crypto views.


Caroline Crenshaw, a commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has found herself under scrutiny from the cryptocurrency sector, including Ripple‘s CEO Brad Garlinghouse, in the lead-up to her potential reappointment.

Through a succession of updates on social media, Katie Biber, the top lawyer at Paradigm, has brought attention to Crenshaw’s opposition towards cryptocurrencies. She labeled her as a “bureaucrat without accountability.”

Garlinghouse replied to Biber’s post expressing his preference for tangible steps from legislators instead of mere talk, following his participation in a cryptocurrency discussion led by Congressman Ro Khanna a few days prior.

Crenshaw was sworn into office in August 2020 after being unanimously confirmed by the Senate. 

Her tenure came to a close in June; however, she could extend her service up until 2026 if no suitable replacement is found.

Crenshaw gained notoriety within the cryptocurrency space due to her seemingly anti-crypto stance. 

Two individuals, Crenshaw and SEC Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga, voiced their opposition to the January approval of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Crenshaw raised concerns about the prevalence of fraud in the cryptocurrency market. She cautioned that endorsing such financial instruments might compromise investor safeguards. In her perspective, the crypto market has been a breeding ground for fraudulent activities due to the lack of regulatory oversight.

According to Biber’s statement, Gary Gensler conceded to the DC Circuit’s clear decision. However, Caroline Crenshaw took a different approach in her dissent. Instead of accepting the court’s directive, she contorted her arguments to dismiss the Court’s mandate.

As an analyst, I would advise my Republican colleagues on the Senate Banking Committee to take decisive action and exert every effort in blocking the nomination of Crenshaw to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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2024-07-11 09:33