SEC Cryptocurrency Actions Decline by 60% in 2025

2026/01/23 10:32

What to Know:

SEC’s cryptocurrency enforcement actions dropped by 60% in 2025.
Shift in focus to fraud cases under Chair Paul Atkins.
Reduction in monetary penalties and overall SEC actions.

In 2025, the U.S. SEC, led by Chair Paul Atkins, launched only 13 cryptocurrency-related actions, a sharp decrease from 33 in 2024, marking a significant enforcement shift.

This reduction signifies eased regulatory pressure and potential market relief for major crypto platforms, following previous intense scrutiny under Gary Gensler’s leadership.

The U.S. SEC initiated only 13 cryptocurrency-related enforcement actions in 2025, marking a 60% decline under new Chair Paul Atkins’ leadership.

This change indicates a significant shift in regulatory focus, affecting digital asset markets positively, with reduced pressure on major platforms.

13 Crypto Actions in 2025, Down from 33 in 2024

The SEC’s 60% reduction in cryptocurrency enforcement actions reflects Chair Paul Atkins’ strategic pivot toward fraud. In 2025, only 13 actions occurred compared to 33 in 2024.

Leadership changes at the SEC, especially under Atkins, refocused efforts on fraud, leading to dismissals against companies like Coinbase and Binance. Paul Atkins explained, “We are shifting our focus primarily to fraud cases to ensure investor protection while refining our approach to digital asset enforcement.”

Major Platforms Benefit from Regulatory Easing

The reduction in enforcement actions impacted major cryptocurrency platforms positively by decreasing regulatory pressure, potentially aiding market liquidity. Many cases were dismissed, easing operational constraints.

This regulatory shift marks a significant decline in monetary penalties against digital-asset participants, totaling $142 million in 2025, representing less than 3% of 2024’s penalties.

2025 Crypto Actions Lowest Since 2017

The drop mirrors a post-2017 slowdown, suggesting a pattern similar to historical trends. In 2025, crypto actions were the lowest since 2017 following the 2024 peak under Gensler.

Potential outcomes include a less aggressive regulatory environment, with SEC actions overall dipping 27% to 313, indicating broader regulatory relaxation trends. Market participants expect potential growth and stability.

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