Ex-SEC Chair Gary Gensler Returns to MIT as Professor

Gary Gensler, the former chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has returned to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). According to reports , he will rejoin MIT as a Professor of Practice in the Global Economics and Management Group and the Finance Group at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Gary Gensler Returns to Professor Role

His new role will focus on the connections between artificial intelligence (AI), finance, financial technology (FinTech), and public policy. Notably, this marks a big change from his previous role in regulation to a position in academia. Along with teaching, Gensler will co-direct the FinTechAI@CSAIL initiative at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). 

This initiative will investigate how AI and financial technology work together, exploring new technologies, challenges, and real-world applications in finance. Likewise, it aims to create a shared space for academic research, partnerships with businesses, and the development of innovative solutions in financial services.

Meanwhile, Gensler’s new role at MIT follows his tenure as SEC Chair, during which time he strongly defended regulating cryptocurrency markets. He pushed for better rules for digital assets and worked to address the challenges in the changing financial world. At MIT, Gensler’s work will likely shape future finance, AI, and public policy leaders.

Allegation on Gensler For Regulatory Overreach

During Gensler’s tenure at the SEC, major cryptocurrency firms like Binance, Coinbase, and Ripple have faced intense legal scrutiny , spurring criticism of the agency’s regulation-by-enforcement approach. The co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, Tyler Winklevoss, argued that Gensler’s tactics have destroyed livelihoods, jobs, and billions in invested capital.

Winklevoss also accused him of prioritizing his political ambitions over the industry’s well-being. His sentiments resonate with other industry leaders. Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin also criticized the SEC’s treatment of the sector as “gaslighting.” Likewise, MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor emphasized the importance of Gensler’s successor, calling the role “pivotal” for the future of digital assets.

Gensler’s Departure Causes Surge in Crypto ETF Filings

As Gensler leaves the role as SEC Chair on January 20, 2025, many companies already filed for crypto Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) . As reported by TheCoinRise, several firms have submitted new proposals, anticipating President Donald Trump’s introduction of more favorable cryptocurrency regulations.

On January 17, about four new proposals for crypto ETFs were submitted to the SEC, marking a significant increase in ETF filings. Many companies are filing for ETFs because they expect changes in government rules on cryptocurrencies. The change could allow for more types of crypto investment products.