Caroline Crenshaw’s departure from the SEC on January 2 marks a turning point for crypto regulation in Washington. The longtime cryptocurrency skeptic’s exit leaves the commission operating under a 3-0 Republican majority—a historic shift that clears the way for Paul Atkins’ pro-innovation agenda to move forward without meaningful internal opposition.
What Changed at the SEC
Crenshaw spent over a decade at SEC agency, consistently raising concerns about cryptocurrencies, digital assets and investor protection.
Her exit coincides with the broader regulatory reorganization under the Trump administration, which has explicitly positioned itself to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”
The commission now operates with fewer members than authorized, as Trump hasn’t yet filled the vacant seats—a strategic pause that effectively gives the Republican-majority commissioners free rein on policy.
Why This Matters Right Now
The timing couldn’t be sharper. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has already signaled plans to introduce an “innovation exemption” that would let crypto startups test new products under lighter regulatory requirements, provided they meet basic consumer protections. [3][7] That proposal was expected within 30 days of December 2, meaning it could arrive any moment. With Crenshaw gone, there’s no institutional voice pushing back on the exemption’s scope or implementation details.
The broader regulatory picture is also shifting. The Senate is scheduled to hold hearings in January on the CLARITY Act—landmark legislation designed to end years of turf warfare between the SEC and CFTC by clearly dividing jurisdiction over different crypto products. [3][7] White House crypto adviser David Sacks said in December the bill is “closer to passage than at any point in the past.” [3] These aren’t minor procedural tweaks. They represent a fundamental reordering of how Washington approaches digital assets.
What’s Next
The real action starts immediately. Watch for the innovation exemption announcement—it could drop with minimal fanfare. Then track the Senate hearings on CLARITY in January. If that bill moves to a floor vote and passes, the crypto industry will have concrete answers about regulatory jurisdiction for the first time in years. Markets have been pricing in regulatory clarity for months. Crenshaw’s departure removes one of the last obstacles to delivering on it.
