Jorge Tenreiro, the former chief of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto assets and cyber unit, has been promoted to the role of chief litigation counsel. In his new position, Tenreiro will oversee the agency’s lawsuits and investigations across the country, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the SEC’s enforcement efforts.
Key Appointments within the SEC’s Crypto Unit
Alongside Tenreiro’s promotion, changes have been made within the SEC’s crypto and cyber division. Mark Sylvester, previously the assistant director, and Laura D’Allaird, former counsel to Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga, have stepped in as the new co-chiefs of the crypto assets and cyber unit, as reflected in their updated LinkedIn profiles.
Tenreiro succeeds Olivia Choe, who left the SEC in July to join the law firm Milbank LLP as a partner.
Tenreiro’s Impact on Crypto Regulation
Since joining the SEC in October 2022, Tenreiro has been at the forefront of high-profile cases targeting major crypto players. He played a leading role in lawsuits against exchanges such as Kraken and Coinbase, blockchain company Tron, and its founder Justin Sun.
Tenreiro was also a key figure in the SEC’s legal battle with Ripple Labs and its case against Terraform Labs and founder Do Kwon. The latter resulted in a record-breaking $4.47 billion settlement in June.
However, his tenure hasn’t been without controversy. Two SEC lawyers resigned earlier this year after the agency faced sanctions for misrepresenting evidence in a case against the crypto company Debt Box. Tenreiro’s critics, including crypto lawyer John Deaton, have voiced skepticism about his approach, with Deaton warning against hiring him in a Dec. 1 post on X (formerly Twitter).
Looking Ahead
Tenreiro’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, with President-elect Donald Trump preparing to take office in just a few weeks. Trump has signaled plans to reduce regulatory oversight of the crypto industry, potentially reshaping the SEC’s enforcement priorities.
Despite the criticism, Tenreiro’s leadership is expected to guide the SEC’s ongoing crackdown on crypto fraud and compliance violations. The agency has not commented on Tenreiro’s new role, and he has yet to issue a public statement.
