Kraken has announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has agreed to dismiss its lawsuit against the crypto exchange with prejudice. The SEC’s decision means no penalties, no changes to Kraken’s business operations, and no admission of wrongdoing. The SEC has closed probes into major companies like OpenSea, Gemini, and Robinhood but continues to investigate others, including Ripple.
A Major Legal Victory for Kraken
The SEC filed a lawsuit in November 2023, accusing kraken 
kraken
-
support@kraken.com
Centralised ExchangeDecentralised Exchange
of mishandling customer funds and operating as an unregistered securities broker. Instead of settling, Kraken chose to fight the charges. A federal judge initially ruled that the SEC had a plausible case, which led to the case heading to trial. However, the SEC has now decided to drop the charges after reaching an agreement with Kraken. Pending approval from the SEC’s Commissioners, the case will be officially closed.
“This dismissal lifts that cloud of uncertainty. It reaffirms that businesses like Kraken, which prioritize compliance and consumer protection, should not be subject to arbitrary legal battles,”
the company stated.
A Turning Point for Crypto in the U.S.
Kraken celebrated the SEC’s decision, calling it more than just a legal victory. The company described the move as a turning point for the future of crypto regulation in the U.S. The SEC’s decision, Kraken stated, puts an end to what they called a politically motivated campaign, lifting the uncertainty that has hindered innovation and investment in the industry.
SEC’s Changing Approach to Crypto Enforcement
Kraken’s win comes as the SEC, under new leadership, shifts away from the aggressive enforcement tactics that characterized the tenure of former SEC Chair gary gensler
gary gensler
Gary Gensler is the chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His studies in finance and blockchain at MIT have helped him develop U.S. cryptocurrency regulations and policies.
Quick Facts
Full name
Gary Scott Gensler
Birth
18-10-1957, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Nationality
American
Education
MBA from the University of Pennsylvania
Marital status
Married to Francesca Danieli (1986-2006)
Net worth
Estimated $100 million
Gensler has advocated for enhanced supervision of digital assets, seeking to regulate cryptocurrencies similar to securities. His work at the SEC has focused on safeguarding investors, regulating crypto exchanges, and establishing stablecoin policies.
Gary Gensler - Career Highlights
1997 – Became Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
2009 – Led CFTC, regulating financial derivatives post-2008 crisis.
2018 – Taught blockchain and crypto at MIT.
2021 – Appointed SEC Chairman, focusing on crypto regulations.
2022 – Proposed stricter rules for crypto exchanges.
2023 – Took legal action against major crypto firms.
2024 – Advocated for stronger stablecoin and DeFi regulations.
Gary has collaborated with multiple lawmakers in formulating crypto policies. Even with disagreements with crypto investors regarding crypto policies, he continues to be a key player in the changing dynamic between regulatory frameworks and blockchain advancement.
Awards & Recognitions of Gary Gensler
Year
Institution
Description
2009
U.S. Treasury
Financial Regulation Leader
2018
MIT
Blockchain & Crypto Educator
2021
SEC
SEC Chairman Overseeing Crypto Policies
2023
Bloomberg
Most Influential Regulator in Crypto
2024
Forbes
Top Policy Maker in Digital Assets
Useful Links to Connect With Gary Gensler
Platform
Link
X (formerly Twitter)
twitter.com/GaryGensler
CFTC website
Chairman Gary Gensler
Chairman
The new leadership has expressed a commitment to developing clear and fair regulations for the cryptocurrency industry, rather than relying on “regulation by enforcement.”
