Regulation
Ex-SEC Reveals New SEC Leadership Impact On Ripple Case, Crypto Lawsuits

Marc Fagel, a former SEC lawyer, recently shed light on how shifts in Securities and Exchange Commission’s leadership may impact ongoing crypto lawsuits, including the high-profile Ripple case. His comments came in response to inquiries about whether current enforcement actions are influenced by the political climate or recent scandals.
How Will New SEC Leadership Impact Ripple Case?
Jungle Inc, popular crypto influencer, asked if a pro-crypto president is election, will the new SEC administration change approach toward crypto. The lawyer clarified that historically, a new SEC administration typically refrains from interfering with ongoing enforcement actions. For instance, a change in leadership would not usually alter the course of the Ripple case or other ongoing lawsuits.
However, Fagel noted that a new administration might change priorities for future cases. Nonetheless, he affirmed that enforcement actions themselves are generally apolitical. Fagel stated:
“Generally enforcement is apolitical – a violation of the law is a violation of the law, and most enforcement recommendations are approved unanimously. Crypto might be different, and a new administration could take a different approach.”
Fagel also noted that in case of new policies or priorities, the settlements or appeals could be influenced. This suggests that if a crypto-friendly administration takes over, the Ripple case settlement could be smoother. Furthermore, the SEC could refrain from appeals in case the ruling is in favor of the blockchain payments firm.
Moreover, Binance, Coinbase, Consensys and other crypto lawsuits by the SEC could also see a similar resolution. However, the legal course would still depend on the court findings. In the case of proven misconduct, even a pro-crypto administration would have to crack down.
Also Read: Gemini Co-Founder Warns of Kamala Harris’ ‘Big Bluff’ to Crypto Industry
Expected Changes In Crypto Regulation
The discussion touched on the increasing aggressiveness of the SEC under the current Chairman, Gary Gensler. The SEC has ramped up enforcement actions against the crypto industry. This marked a shift from the previous administration under Jay Clayton. The previous administration focused more narrowly on flagrant violations such as initial coin offerings (ICOs).
Moreover, SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce noted that they had very little discussion on crypto enforcement at the time. Fagel attributed the heightened scrutiny to significant fraud cases, including those involving FTX, Celsius, and Terra Luna. Hence, he dismissed the notion of SEC crackdown solely due to political figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren.
He emphasized that the huge amounts of losses due to these scandals have led to the tightened enforcement. Fagel acknowledged that while enforcement is usually apolitical, a new SEC administration could influence future policy directions.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that a less aggressive stance might backfire if another major scandal occurs. This could force the SEC to intensify its actions once again. “If they take a more hands-off approach on crypto, all it takes is one more FTX/Celsius, and they’re going to ratchet it up again,” Fagel warned.
Also Read: Ripple Vs SEC Case: Judge Torres Deliberates On Final Ruling
The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Regulation
Japan Set To Classify Cryptocurrencies As Financial Products, Here’s All

Cryptocurrency investors in Japan are bracing for impact following a plan to reclassify digital assets as financial products. While the plan has elicited excitement from cryptocurrency enthusiasts in the Far East, the ambitious plan will have to scale several legislative hurdles.
Japan Targets Reclassification Of Cryptocurrencies As Financial Products
According to a report by Nikkei, Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is inching toward classifying cryptocurrencies as financial products. Per the report, the FSA intends to achieve the reclassification via an amendment to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
Currently, digital assets in Japan are considered crypto assets conferred with property rights and seen as payment means. Under the FSA’s plans, cryptocurrencies in Japan will be treated as financial products in the same manner as traditional financial products.
The FSA says it will adopt a slow and steady approach toward the reclassification, carrying out “a private expert study group” to test the waters. If everything goes according to plan, the FSA will submit the amended bill to Parliament in early 2026.
The classification of cryptocurrencies as financial products will have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem. Experts say treating cryptocurrencies as financial products will bring Japan closer to a crypto ETF launch amid a changing regulatory landscape.
Furthermore, the move may lower current cryptocurrency taxation for local investors since existing capital market rules will apply to the asset class.
A Fresh Bill For Crypto Insider Trading Is Underway
Apart from the reclassification, the FSA disclosed plans for new legislation against insider trading. The move flows treating cryptocurrencies as financial products and will strengthen existing investor protection rules.
“It is a direction to establish a new insider trading regulation that prohibits trading based on unpublished internal information,” said the FSA. “We will develop laws to prevent unfair transactions.”
However, Japan’s cryptocurrency scene is heating up to a boil, driven by local and international players. Last week, stablecoin issuer Circle secured approval from the FSA for USDC with top exchanges set to list the stablecoin.
Japan’s Metaplanet has tapped Eric Trump to join its Strategic Board of Advisors as it continues to load up Bitcoin.
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
Regulation
Kentucky Governor Signs Off On ‘Bitcoin Rights’ Bill, Strengthening Crypto Protections


In what is being dubbed a major development in the crypto regulation space, the Governor of the US state of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, has signed the ‘Bitcoin Rights’ bill into law. The law promises to safeguard protections for Bitcoin (BTC) users.
Bitcoin Rights Bill Comes Into Effect
Crypto regulations continue to evolve under pro-crypto US President Donald Trump’s administration. In the latest development, Kentucky has become the newest state to enshrine protections for digital asset users.
In an X post published on March 24, crypto advocacy group Satoshi Action Fund announced that Governor Beshear had signed the much-anticipated Bitcoin Rights bill into law. The post stated:
The right to self-custody, run a node, and use of digital assets is now protected for millions of Americans without fear of discrimination.
The bill was first introduced to the Kentucky House by Rep. Adam Bowling on February 19. According to the bill’s description, it seeks to safeguard users’ rights to use digital assets and self-custody wallets. Additionally, it aims to prohibit local zoning changes that discriminate against crypto mining operations.
The legislation outlines guidelines for running a digital asset node and excludes digital asset mining from money transmitter license requirements. It also clarifies that crypto mining or staking is not considered an offer or sale of securities.
On February 28, the bill passed Kentucky’s House of Representatives with a unanimous vote of all 91 representatives in favor. It later passed the Kentucky Senate on March 13, receiving backing from all 37 senators.
Kentucky’s proactive stance toward cryptocurrencies isn’t new. Earlier this year, the state became the 16th US state to introduce legislation seeking to create a Bitcoin strategic reserve.
Meanwhile, neighboring state Arizona is also joining the crypto movement. A recent X post by Bitcoin Laws revealed that Arizona’s House Rules Committee has passed two Bitcoin reserve bills — SB1373 and SB1025. These bills will now head to a full floor vote.
Renewed Optimism Under Trump Administration
Following Trump’s victory in the November presidential election, cryptocurrency regulations in the US are evolving rapidly, with many states introducing legislation aimed at strengthening their digital asset ecosystems and attracting crypto businesses.
Positive changes in crypto regulations are encouraging industry businesses to expand. For instance, leading crypto trading platform Coinbase recently announced plans to hire 1,000 employees in the US.
The Trump administration has also witnessed several lawsuits being dropped against major crypto entities, including Kraken, Coinbase, Gemini, and others. At press time, Bitcoin trades at $87,399, down 0.2% in the past 24 hours.

Featured Image from Unsplash.com, chart from TradingView.com

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Regulation
US SEC Drops Charges Against Hawk Tuah Girl Hailey Welch

Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch, known for her association with the controversial $HAWK token, has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has decided not to press charges against Welch in connection with the rapid rise and subsequent collapse of the meme-based cryptocurrency.
US SEC Investigation Into Hawk Tuah Girl Concludes Without Charges
The SEC had launched an investigation into the $HAWK token after its dramatic price drop. The token, which was linked to Welch’s viral persona, initially saw a market cap surge to $490 million before crashing by over 90%. Investors who were impacted by the crash filed a lawsuit against those behind the project, alleging that the coin had been promoted and sold without proper registration.
Hawk Tuah girl Hailey Welch, who cooperated fully with the investigation, expressed relief after the SEC’s decision. “For the past few months, I’ve been cooperating with all the authorities and attorneys, and finally, that work is complete,” Welch told TMZ.
Her attorney, James Sallah, confirmed that the SEC had closed the case without any findings against her, adding that there would be no monetary sanctions or restrictions on Welch’s future involvement in cryptocurrency or securities.
This Is A Developing News, Please Check Back For More
Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.
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