Gary Gensler Returns to MIT: Bringing Wall Street & Crypto Expertise to Finance & Tech

Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler Returns to MIT as Professor of Practice

Gary Gensler, the former Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has returned to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Professor of Practice at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Gensler will be joining both the Global Economics and Management Group and the Finance Group, focusing on artificial intelligence, finance, financial technology, and public policy. Additionally, he will co-direct the FinTechAI@CSAIL initiative within MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

Gensler’s appointment comes after a distinguished career in the public sector, on Wall Street, and at MIT. He most recently served as the Chair of the SEC in the Biden Administration, overseeing the $120 trillion U.S. capital markets. Prior to his role at the SEC, Gensler was a Professor of the Practice of Global Economics and Management, co-director of MIT’s FinTech@CSAIL, and senior advisor to the MIT Media Lab Digital Currency Initiative.

During his tenure at the SEC, Gensler led the agency in enforcing securities laws and regulations, including those related to cryptocurrencies. He consistently maintained that most cryptocurrencies, except for Bitcoin, should be classified as securities and fall under the SEC’s jurisdiction. Gensler’s stance on cryptocurrencies was a significant factor in the ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of the industry.

Gensler’s return to MIT is expected to bring valuable insights and expertise to the school’s finance and technology programs. His experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as his knowledge of the cryptocurrency industry, will be an asset to both students and faculty. As a Professor of Practice, Gensler will teach and conduct research on a range of topics related to finance, technology, and public policy.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Gensler will continue to be involved in the broader financial and technology communities. His insights and expertise will be sought after by industry leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the financial and technology sectors. Gensler’s return to MIT is a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership in the fields of finance and technology.