Ex-SEC Official Joins This Law Firm, Winklevoss & XRP Lawyer Deaton Condemn

As a seasoned analyst with extensive experience in the cryptocurrency industry, I find the recent hiring of former SEC director Gurbir Grewal by Milbank to be a concerning development. My perspective is shaped by years of observing regulatory actions and their impacts on various players within this dynamic ecosystem.

John Deaton, an attorney representing XRP, and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder of Gemini, have called on cryptocurrency companies to cease business with law firm Milbank due to their recent recruitment of former SEC director Gurbir Grewal, who holds negative views on digital assets. A significant number of voices within the crypto sector are expressing concern and opposition towards Milbank’s contentious decision to hire Grewal.

Ex SEC Official Gurbir Grewal Lacks Integrity, Says XRP Lawyer

Lawyer John Deaton, well-known in XRP circles, has urged the cryptocurrency industry to sever ties with the law firm Milbank. This call follows after it was announced that Gurbir Grewal, a former SEC official with a history of anti-crypto actions, particularly in the Ripple lawsuit, will be joining their team.

In a post on X platform, Deaton accused Grewal of intentionally harming the industry and lying before Congress when questioned by Representative Warren Davidson, adding, “He lacks integrity. Period”. Deaton’s commentary came in response to Tyler Winklevoss, the co-founder of crypto exchange Gemini, who stated that such hiring of anti-crypto officials should stop soon. In a post on X platform Tyler wrote:

As a crypto investor, I’m deeply concerned about this situation. It’s unacceptable when those in power misuse their position to target an industry, only to later offer protection through high-profile law firms at glamorous events with breathtaking views of jetliners. The irony is palpable: they promise to shield you from the very individuals like them who have been causing harm to the crypto sector.

Previously, it’s not just now but also in the past that there has been increasing disagreement towards former SEC official Gurbir Grewal. Recently, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly stated a strong caution, indicating that his company would decline to collaborate with others who are recruiting anti-cryptocurrency officials.

Armstrong stated that the crypto exchange will terminate all business connections with legal associates who harbor such personnel immediately. In his opinion, it’s a breach of ethical standards to clandestinely sabotage an industry without providing transparent guidelines.

Anti-Crypto Legacy of Grewal

With Gurbir Grewal taking up a partner position at Milbank, it’s worth exploring why XRP lawyer John Deaton has been so vocal against this former SEC official. Prior to his resignation as Director of the US SEC Enforcement Division in October, Grewal was known for his firm stance while leading the division.

During his tenure, Grewal oversaw over a hundred regulatory actions, focusing particularly on cryptocurrency companies. Under his guidance, the Securities and Exchange Commission took legal action against significant players in the industry like Coinbase, Ripple, and Binance, accusing them of breaching federal securities laws.

One significant result was the Binance lawsuit leading to a historic $4.3 billion penalty against the company and the departure of CEO Changpeng Zhao. Furthermore, legal disputes between Binance, Coinbase, and Ripple continue, reflecting the SEC’s firm stance under the leadership of Grewal.

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2024-12-24 15:40