Ethereum: SEC Clears Hinman Speech

SEC Clears Bill Hinman of Ethics Violations in Ethereum Speech

• The SEC released a report clearing Bill Hinman of ethics violations related to his 2018 Ethereum speech.
• The investigation followed a lawsuit by Empower Oversight requesting findings under the Freedom of Information Act.
• The SEC’s Office of Inspector General found no breach of internal ethics rules or conflict-of-interest laws by Hinman.
• Hinman’s financial ties to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP were disclosed during his onboarding at the SEC.
• Critics continue to debate the implications, citing alleged regulatory favoritism termed “ETH Gate.”

The SEC’s report concluded that Bill Hinman did not violate ethics rules despite concerns over his financial ties, sparking ongoing discussions about regulatory practices.