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XRP News: New FOIA Filing Seeks Ex-SEC Chair Clayton’s Crypto Emails

The Empower Oversight group has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to unearth the communications of former SEC Chair Clayton.
XRP News: New FOIA Filing Seeks Ex-SEC Chair Clayton’s Crypto Emails

In a continuous effort to enhance transparency and accountability in governmental agencies, Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research (“Empower Oversight”) has recently submitted a new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. This application seeks explicit records of communications between Jay Clayton, the former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and various individuals potentially linked to the SEC’s controversial cryptocurrency enforcement decisions.

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Clayton’s Controversial Crypto Journey

From May 4, 2017, to December 23, 2020, Clayton notably declared Bitcoin was not a security. Furthermore, affirmations from senior SEC officials echoed his stance on Ether. Significantly, these announcements bolstered the value of both tokens. However, as Clayton’s term ended, the SEC’s sudden lawsuit against Ripple, claiming its XRP token was a security, threw the cryptocurrency community into a whirlwind of speculation.

Consequently, eyebrows raised when Clayton joined One River Asset Management post-SEC, a hedge fund centering solely on Bitcoin and Ether investments. Given these developments, Empower Oversight intensified its efforts to unearth any behind-the-scenes communication between Clayton and several identified individuals during his time at the SEC.

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New Insights Bring New Questions

Additionally, with Empower Oversight’s recent FOIA request, the organization seeks comprehensive communication details between Clayton and figures such as Jasmine Burgess, John D’Agostino, and others. Besides trying to piece together Clayton’s decisions, Empower Oversight is determined to ensure no conflicts of interest during Clayton’s leadership.

Moreover, this move comes at a crucial juncture, with the SEC facing flak from cryptocurrency advocates and leading US legislators. Notably, Patrick McHenry, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, criticized the SEC for its lack of transparent regulation concerning crypto-related activities in the US.

Empower Oversight’s previous requests have already led to revelations. Notably, former senior SEC official William Hinman’s ties with his past employer, Simpson Thacher, garnered attention due to the potential implications of a conflict of interest. Hinman’s public declaration that Ethereum was not a security contrasts starkly with the SEC’s previous references to similar tokens as unregistered securities.

Hence, as the inquiries deepen and the lines connecting the dots become more evident, the cryptocurrency realm eagerly waits for clarity. These investigations will bring much-needed transparency and fairness in the rapidly evolving world of digital currencies.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.

Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
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