18 GOP AGs sue SEC as Gensler hints resignation

Donald Trump’s promise of a U.S. SEC without Gary Gensler may be realized ahead of schedule amid state lawsuits and resignation chatter.

Wall Street’s top cop-on-the-beat has been accused of “unconstitutional overreach” and “unfair persecution” of the $3 trillion cryptocurrency industry, according to a lawsuit signed by 18 Republican Attorneys Generals.

The lawsuit alleges that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its commissioners, led by chair Gary Gensler, overstepped their jurisdiction and disregarded state economic autonomy.

Litigation from GOP AGs and states has added to the existing scrutiny of Gensler’s SEC career. Top lawmakers have opened an investigation into the SEC’s hiring practices amid suspicions of politically biased recruitment, which has spurred the inquiry.

Several members of Congress have called for his resignation, and Donald Trump has promised the digital asset industry that he would dismiss Gensler.

Is Gary Gensler retiring?

Social media is buzzing with speculation that Gensler might be on his way out as SEC Chairman. His comments in a note on Nov. 14, calling his time at the SEC “a great honor” and praising his colleagues for their dedication, have fueled rumors of a possible imminent retirement.

The SEC is a remarkable agency. The staff and Commission are deeply mission-driven, focused on protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation.

Gary Gensler, SEC chair

He added that it’s been a privilege to serve with the SEC “doing the people’s work and ensuring that our capital markets remain the best in the world.”

A firm stance on crypto regulation has marked Gensler’s tenure at the securities regulator. Blockchain industry players increasingly anticipate changes in leadership and policy enforcement from the SEC after years of grappling with Gensler’s regulatory approach.

The SEC has ongoing court cases against firms like Coinbase and Ripple (XRP). As such, Gensler’s potential departure has become a focal point for speculation on how regulatory policies might shift under new leadership.