SEC’s tough stance on crypto continues: Gary Gensler slams ‘FIT 21’ Act

  • Gary Gensler has opposed the “FIT 21” Act, citing regulatory gaps and risks to investors.
  • SEC’s crypto stance before the 2024 elections could majorly sway voter sentiment.

As a researcher with a background in financial regulation and a deep interest in the crypto space, I find Gary Gensler’s opposition to the FIT 21 Act both intriguing and concerning. The potential regulatory gaps and risks to investors he has highlighted are valid concerns that need to be addressed carefully.


As a crypto investor, I’ve been following the news closely regarding former President Donald Trump’s decision to accept cryptocurrency donations for his 2024 presidential campaign. Excited as I am about this development, I can’t help but feel a pang of concern when I hear U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler expressing his opposition to the crypto market bill. From my perspective, it adds an extra layer of uncertainty to an already complex and evolving landscape.

Gensler’s sudden move 

As a crypto investor, I’ve closely followed the developments regarding the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, or FIT 21. On May 22nd, Chair Gary Gensler made it clear in a public statement that he is not in favor of this legislation.

As a financial analyst, I would describe the FIT 21 Act as my own legislative initiative to foster the creation of innovative financial tools and technologies within the US market. Simultaneously, it lays the groundwork for effective regulation and vigilant oversight to ensure the stability and security of these new developments.

Gensler stated,

The Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT 21) could lead to unregulated areas in finance and potentially weaken long-standing rules governing investment agreements. This might expose investors and financial markets to significant risks.

He further added,

“This legislation grants crypto investment contract issuers the ability to classify their offerings as ‘decentralized systems,’ enabling them to be recognized as a distinct category of ‘digital commodities.’ Consequently, they would be exempt from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) supervision.”

The SEC Chair’s bold position before the 2024 presidential election has caused ripples of surprise and concern within the cryptocurrency sphere.

Crypto enthusiasts unhappy 

Journalist Chris Brummer highlighted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the extraordinary role of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in presidential politics, an unprecedented situation.

SEC’s tough stance on crypto continues: Gary Gensler slams ‘FIT 21’ Act

Echoing a similar line of thought, Ripple’s CLO, Stuart Alderoty, said,

“Gensler underestimated the complexity of dealing with cryptocurrencies. He saw it as an opportunity for easy criticism and became known for his harsh stance.”

He further went on and opined,

“He once believed himself exempt from Congressional scrutiny, but that notion no longer holds. Now, he finds himself a burden to the political realm.”

Previously in a different conversation, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler expressed his annoyance over the disproportionate number of queries concerning cryptocurrencies as opposed to those pertaining to conventional finance.

“Cryptocurrencies represent a minor sector of the broader financial markets. however, they disproportionately contribute to the incidents of fraud and malfeasance within these markets.”

Impact on the upcoming elections 

As a crypto investor, I can’t help but notice the potential implications of these recent developments for President Joe Biden and the upcoming election. The way I see it, these events could potentially shift the narrative and sway voter sentiment in significant ways.

The cautious position of the current administration towards cryptocurrency, evident in Chairman Gensler’s regulatory strategy, stands in stark contrast to former President Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency actions.

Due to their contrasting perspectives, these candidates’ methods could potentially influence voters, particularly those with an affinity for cryptocurrencies.

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2024-05-22 16:40