David Hirsch, the head of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Crypto Asset and Cyber Unit in the Division of Enforcement, has departed from the agency after nearly nine years of service.
“Last Friday marked my final day with the SEC after almost nine years,” Hirsch announced on LinkedIn. “Throughout my tenure, I had the opportunity to engage in more complex and challenging investigations and issues than I ever imagined when I first joined the agency as a staff attorney in the Fort Worth Regional Office.”
Hirsch expressed pride in the accomplishments of the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit team, which he had the privilege of leading. “I’m particularly proud of the historic work done by the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit team,” he added. Although Hirsch did not reveal his future plans, he mentioned that he would share more details after taking a break. Before his tenure at the SEC, he served as a legal advisory board member at the NYU Center for Cybersecurity.
The SEC plays a crucial role in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation, especially as crypto becomes a contentious political issue in the U.S. ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Recently, the agency has faced mounting pressure from lawmakers to approve spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds. Additionally, SEC Chair Gary Gensler has been a controversial figure among crypto enthusiasts, often perceived as antagonistic.