SEC Crypto Enforcement Declined 30% Under Gensler’s Final Year

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) experienced a 30% decrease in crypto-related enforcement actions during the final year of former Chair Gary Gensler’s tenure. According to a report by Cornerstone Research, the SEC initiated only 33 crypto-related actions in its last year under Gensler, down from 47 actions the previous year, which was the peak enforcement period. Despite the reduction in the number of actions, the penalties in the crypto sector reached a record $5 billion in 2024, largely due to the SEC’s $4.5 billion settlement with Terraform Labs. In total, the agency charged 90 defendants in crypto enforcement actions last year, including 33 firms and 57 individuals. Gensler, who was appointed by President Biden in 2021, stepped down as SEC chairman on January 20, 2025.