SEC Elevates Deputy Crypto Lead to Chief Litigation Counsel Position

Crypto Reporter

Shalini Nagarajan

Crypto Reporter

Shalini Nagarajan

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Shalini is a crypto reporter who provides in-depth reports on daily developments and regulatory shifts in the cryptocurrency sector.

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Last updated: 

December 3, 2024

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Jorge Tenreiro, formerly acting head of the SEC’s crypto and cybersecurity oversight division, has taken on the role of chief litigation counsel, broadening his responsibilities.

His LinkedIn profile has been updated to include his new role.

This promotion comes at a critical moment, just as a more crypto-friendly administration prepares to take office next month, making the shift even more significant for the agency.

The crypto industry hopes President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will create clear regulatory guidelines. These rules could support innovation in the cryptocurrency space while ensuring compliance and protecting investors.

However, Tenreiro’s history at the SEC points towards continued stringent enforcement of regulations. His new position implies that even with changes in political climate, investor protection and market integrity will still be priorities.

Ripple Lawsuit Highlights Jorge Tenreiro’s Influence on SEC’s Crypto Oversight

Jorge Tenreiro previously served as Acting Chief of the SEC’s Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit. He played a key role in shaping the SEC’s crypto enforcement strategy. Under his leadership, the SEC pursued several high-profile cases against crypto firms.

Tenreiro played a pivotal role in the SEC’s litigation against Ripple Labs, as well as its executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen. Serving as lead counsel, he handled allegations that XRP was an unregistered security. This case has attracted widespread attention and remains central to debates on cryptocurrency regulation.

SEC’s Tenreiro Appointment Reinforces Focus on Crypto Enforcement

The SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, initiated in Dec. 2020, alleges that Ripple sold XRP as an unregistered security. This case has become a landmark for US cryptocurrency regulation, questioning how digital assets fit under current securities laws.

The SEC has taken a firm stance, arguing that many cryptocurrencies qualify as securities and should face stricter regulation. This position has fueled significant debate, as Ripple’s executives contend that XRP is not a security.

Tenreiro’s new role indicates that, despite efforts to encourage crypto innovation, he will maintain strict enforcement of securities laws. His focus will likely remain on ICOs, token offerings and tackling market manipulation in the crypto sector.

As chief litigation counsel, Tenreiro will play a key role in shaping landmark crypto regulation cases. His decisions on litigation or settlements could define the legal standards cryptocurrencies must follow, even in a potentially more lenient regulatory environment.