SEC will reassign the IT department the top lawyer who signed the Ripple Appeal Notice

Sources allege that the US SEC has reassigned Jorge G. Tenreiro, the top litigator who signed the committee’s appeal against Ripple, to the IT department.

Ripple Clo Stuart Aldeoty shares a screenshot of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, claiming that Tenreiro has been reassigned to the committee’s IT department.

Citing a source familiar with the issue, the WSJ said the development is part of the SEC’s efforts to reduce the crypto enforcement team.

The SEC’s changing regulatory approach

The SEC is committed to transforming its proactive attitude towards cryptography into a more friendly approach, under the guidance of acting chair Mark Weda.

This led to the creation of a cryptographic task force for cryptographic specific rules and downsizing the execution unit. As previously reported, the SEC has reassigned more than 50 lawyers and staff members from the executive unit to other departments.

Tenreiro has been reassigned to Macrodata Sophisticated Office

In particular, Tenreiro was one of those who were reassigned to the Macrodata Sophistication Department, which manages SEC’s computers.

In December, Chairman Gary Gensler promoted Tenreiro to Chief Litigation Attorney and allowed him to oversee the committee’s litigation strategy.

Like Gensler, Tenreiro is not in a good book by a few crypto enthusiasts. He oversaw past administration enforcement actions against crypto entities.

Tenreiro signed an SEC appeal against Ripple

In particular, he has signed most of the SEC’s motions against crypto payment company Ripple, including a notice of appeal from the committee. Yesterday, Jimmy Valle, managing director of Valhil Capital, reminded the XRP forces that he had signed the committee’s notice of appeal for Ripple’s victory on October 2, 2024.

internet. Secv. Remember those who signed @Secgov’s notice of appeal in Rippleet al Case. https://t.co/ebpfimtmad pic.twitter.com/qglwqen2pb

– Jimmy Valley (@jvallee2000) February 5, 2025

Tenreiro acted on the recommendation of his boss, but he was chosen for criticism for his role in these cases.

The SEC appeal against Ripple is still ongoing in the Second Circuit. Ripple will submit a counterattack summary and response to the SEC’s opening appeal brief on April 16, 2025. Last month, the company asked the court to approve April 16 as the deadline for these filings.

Will SEC drop ripple cases?

Speculation suggests that the committee could cease most litigation against companies in the sector as the SEC is currently in a move to change its high-enforcement approach to cryptography.

The Senate has yet to confirm among Paul Atkins’ people the SEC’s Trump nominated chairman. As a procrypt advocate, Atkins is expected to be less aggressive towards the industry than in previous administrations.

His tenure could provide much-needed regulations for the crypto sector. As the shed predicts, he may stop most industry-related litigation, including the Ripple case.