David Hirsch, the head of the SEC’s crypto-assets division, has stepped down after nearly nine years. Hirsch announced his departure on LinkedIn, expressing pride in his team’s work overseeing cryptocurrency exchanges and DeFi projects.
Hirsch joined the SEC as a staff attorney and later led the crypto division, marking significant milestones in regulatory oversight. His leadership is notable for its meticulous approach and integrity, earning industry respect.
His exit comes at a turbulent time for the SEC, following office closures and staff departures after unsuccessful cases. The closure of the Salt Lake City office due to staffing issues underscores these challenges.
Hirsch’s departure represents a major shift in the SEC’s approach to crypto regulation. The long-term impact on the crypto market and SEC’s strategies remains to be seen.