Gary Gensler Insists His Crypto Enforcement Actions Were Justified

Former US SEC Chair Gary Gensler defended his record on crypto enforcement in a television interview this week, saying he was “proud” of actions taken while he led the agency and repeating that, aside from Bitcoin, most crypto tokens lack clear fundamentals.

Gensler pushed back against critics who say his approach blocked innovation, and he framed his enforcement work as aimed at protecting everyday investors.

Gensler Stood By Enforcement Record

According to his interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Gensler argued that many crypto tokens trade on hype more than on underlying business metrics, and he used rough figures to note there are “5 or 10 thousand” such tokens in circulation.

His comments echoed past statements that a large share of crypto tokens should be treated under securities laws. Those remarks prompted fresh debate online, with some industry figures calling his stance harmful to innovation and others defending the need for strict oversight.

A second line of argument around Gensler’s legacy is tied to a notable policy outcome: spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products were approved while he was chair.

On January 10, 2024, the SEC issued orders allowing a set of spot Bitcoin ETP listings — a move observers said reflected both legal pressure and shifts inside the agency. That approval has been cited as one of the major market milestones from his tenure.

Regulatory Shift Under New Leadership

Reports have documented a clear change in tone at the SEC after leadership moved to Paul Atkins. Since that shift, the agency has stepped back from several high-profile cases that were lodged during Gensler’s time in office.

Lawsuits and investigations involving big exchanges — including Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken — have been dismissed or closed, and the long-running dispute with Ripple has come to an end following recent filings. Market watchers say this marks a meaningful pivot in enforcement posture at the regulator.

Reaction on social platforms was swift. Some prominent crypto voices called Gensler’s comments unacceptable; posts resharing the interview included sharp criticism from known industry figures.

At the same time, exchange leaders publicly emphasized that what matters now is clear rules and investor protections, not personal attacks.

Featured image from Tom Williams—CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images, chart from TradingView