SEC Crypto Asset Enforcement Chief David Hirsch Announces Departure from Agency
David Hirsch, the head of enforcement for crypto assets at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced his departure from the agency on June 17. Hirsch revealed that he had served at the agency for almost nine years before deciding to leave. He expressed pride in the work accomplished by the team he led, the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit.
Having taken charge of the SEC’s Crypto Asset and Cyber Unit in the Division of Enforcement in October 2022, Hirsch oversaw approximately 45 cases involving cryptocurrencies. Additionally, he worked as an enforcement attorney at the SEC’s Fort Worth Regional Office since 2015. From September 2020 to October 2022, he served as counsel to SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, who is known for her critical views on crypto.
Hirsch has stated that he will provide more information about his future plans after a brief personal break.
False Claims Regarding Hirsch’s Next Move
A memecoin launchpad called Pump.fun circulated a false statement asserting that Hirsch had joined their project after engaging with a team member for several months. Furthermore, Pump.fun claimed that Hirsch had been involved in the launch of over 100 coins. When contacted about this, Hirsch denied the project’s claims, calling them false.
The spreading of this misinformation prompted Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett to comment on the situation, describing the “level of fake news” as cringe-worthy. Terrett also highlighted the fact that SEC staff members are prohibited from holding cryptocurrencies while working at the agency.
