The SEC launches security unit focused on bitcoin

In a recent statement, the United States Stock Exchange and Securities Commission announced the creation of the Cybersecurity Unit and Emerging Technologies (CETU), which will focus on combating cyber crimes and protecting investors, ensuring, According to interim president Mark T. Uyeda, that his efforts do not prevent the growth of innovation.

The team, led by Laura d’Allared, It will be composed of around 30 fraud specialists and lawyers from several agency offices. According to Mark T. Uyeda, “the new unit will complement the work of the working group led by Commissioner Hester Peirce.” In addition, the interim president stressed: “Not only will it protect investors, but will also facilitate capital formation and market efficiency, clearing the way for the growth of innovation.”

Laura D’Allaird is an advocate radated in Washington DC, with an outstanding career in the US stock and values ​​commission. UU. According to his LinkedIn page, today he occupies the position of Joint Head of the Cryptoactive and Cybersecurity Unit. Previously, she served as advisor to Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga and the execution director in the cybersecurity area within the same institution.

The responsibilities of CETU include the prevention of fraud related to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, crimes linked to cryptocurrenciescompliance with cybersecurity regulations by regulated entities, as well as the monitoring of social networks and the Dark Web, among other actions.

While the use of cryptocurrencies in illicit activities has been a constant concern for regulators and governments, recent data show that these types of crimes are not as high as many authorities believe. In fact, according to Chainysis, in 2023 criminal transactions with cryptoactive fell 65% compared to the previous year, while the income of the scammers were reduced by 77%. This reinforces that criminals continue to prefer Fíat money to commit crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

However, the role of safety cryptocurrencies remains a double -edged sword. Although Bitcoin and other decentralized networks are not completely anonymous, Public opinion has been led to believe the opposite. The traceability of financial movements has allowed the authorities to track funds and catch criminals such as Alex Mashinsky, former Celsius Network, who was arrested for market fraud and manipulation after hiding the true financial situation of its platform before its collapse.

However, this also raises a dilemma for legitimate users: how can they protect their privacy and avoid excessive surveillance? Could the development of more advanced tools become a new conflict point with regulators? These are questions that deserve to be debated, especially at a time when the regulation of the sector does not stop acquiring new nuances.

The creation of this unit reflects the collaborative and transparent approach that the Trump administration promised to apply in the field of cryptoactives. It is an approach that aligns with the joint work of the group led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, who has promised to distance himself from the previous strategy of the SEC under the management of Gary Gensler, which was criticized for his persecutory approach and lack of clarity.

It should be noted that, at the beginning of February, David Sacks, the Tsar of AI and Cryptocurrencies appointed by Trump, presented the guidelines under which the unit created by the President will operate from the executive order of January 23. This team, led by the same Sacks, will focus on developing a new regulatory framework to position the United States as a world leader in cryptocurrencies, with initial emphasis on stablecoins and market structure.

Meanwhile, only a few days ago it transpired that the demand of the SEC against Ripple could be suspended, following the same approach that the commission adopted in the case of Coinbase. According to John Reed, former director of the entity’s Internet Compliance Office, The organism is in the process of reviewing cases related to cryptocurrencies What could lead to the withdrawal or detention of appeals.