Back

SEC Losing Grip: Chief of Cyber Security and Cryptocurrency Department Resigned

The first Head of SEC Cyber Unit resigned after 15 years of service to the Commission. Will there be changes for cryptocurrencies?

article image
Cover image via www.forbes.com

After 15 years of service, Robert A. Cohen, head of SEC Division of Enforcement's Cyber Unit, is leaving his post, said in an official statement on the US Securities and Exchange Commission website on July 29.

The first one

Cohen has held his position since the establishment of the unit in 2017 and was its first chief. The cyber unit deals with violations related to cryptocurrency, digital assets, cyber-trading, hacking and cybersecurity issues. One of those who expressed his thoughts about Cohen’s resignation was Chairman Jay Clayton, he said:

I’m grateful to Rob for his thoughtfulness, expertise and leadership in taking on the creation of the Cyber Unit. He leaves the unit well-positioned to continue the critical work of protecting our markets and retail investors in this complex and continually developing area.

Good cases for CV

The high-profile cases of Cohen include accusations against DJ Khaled and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. for participating in the ICO advertising, Kik’s trial for launching an unregistered token for 100 million dollars, as well as hacking the system EDGAR SEC. In his farewell speech, he said the following:

It has been a privilege working with great colleagues at the SEC, whom I cannot thank enough for their commitment, perseverance, and friendship. I am proud of our work together, which has had a strong and positive impact for investors.

Only the most important posts per day. Infographics, analytics, reviews & summaries. Join our Telegram channel!

article writer image
Denis Sinyavskiy

Starting with a simple interest in cryptocurrency, over the past two years, Denis has worked in a cryptocurrency fund and become an author with an analytical bias. His engineering degree helps with the analysis of the technical part of the cryptocurrency market. As a fan of cryptocurrency, Denis believes that the blockchain technology is the future.