SEC's Crypto Enforcer Reassigned to IT Division Amidst Policy Shift

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reassigned Jorge Tenreiro, a cryptocurrency litigation attorney involved in high-profile cases against Ripple and Coinbase, to its Information Technology (IT) division. Tenreiro, who has worked at the SEC for over 11 years, previously served as the head of the agency's cryptocurrency enforcement division from October 2022 to November 2024.

Since President Donald Trump took office in 2025, the SEC has adopted a less adversarial stance towards the crypto industry, leading to a reduction in the size of its cryptocurrency enforcement division. This shift in policy may be a contributing factor to Tenreiro's reassignment to the IT department.

The SEC's decision to reassign Tenreiro comes amidst a broader shift in the agency's approach to cryptocurrency regulation. In February 2025, the SEC announced the top ten priorities of its crypto working group and officially launched its website. This move signals the agency's commitment to providing clear guidance and oversight to the crypto industry.

The reassignment of Tenreiro to the IT department may indicate that the SEC is focusing more on technological aspects of cryptocurrency regulation, such as data security and compliance. As the crypto industry continues to evolve, the SEC's ability to adapt and address emerging challenges will be crucial in maintaining a balanced and effective regulatory environment.