Ethereum ETF Approval Was a Political Decision, Says Bloomberg Analyst James Seyffart

Gary Gensler has concluded his four-year tenure as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which began in 2021.

During his time as Chair, Gensler’s tenure encompassed the implementation of regulatory changes crafted to enhance market integrity, corporate governance, and investor protection, according to a farewell statement published by the SEC Commissioners on Monday.

“This record helps cement Chair Gensler’s legacy of unwavering commitment, not only to public service, but to the American investor,” the statement reads.

His tenure also included reforms in fund disclosures, insider trading plans, and settlement timelines.  These changes contributed to the agency’s mission to protect investors and ensure efficient markets.

Gary Gensler’s Last Day as SEC Chair

Another notable case involved Ripple Labs, where the SEC filed a lawsuit claiming that the sale of XRP tokens constituted an unregistered securities offering. The high-profile litigation became a focal point for debates around how digital assets should be classified.

These lawsuits alleged that the platforms operated as unregistered securities exchanges and facilitated the trading of unregistered securities.

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, marking a dramatic return to power after overcoming multiple impeachments, criminal indictments, and assassination attempts.

While Gary Gensler’s departure marked the end of an era for the SEC, another transition unfolded on the same day in Washington, D.C.

Trump’s Second Term Begins as Gensler Steps Down

In his inaugural address, Trump declared the start of “the complete restoration of America,” vowing to reverse the policies of outgoing President Joe Biden and restore public trust in government.

The ceremony, held indoors in the Capitol Rotunda due to frigid weather, was the first such venue change in four decades. An alternate event replaced the traditional inaugural parade.