Prominent SEC Crypto Division Figure Joins White & Case
Ladan Stewart, a prominent figure in the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) crypto division, has left her position to join White & Case, a renowned law firm based in the United States. Stewart, who led the SEC’s crypto and cyber litigation unit, played a pivotal role in overseeing significant litigation involving major players in the cryptocurrency industry. However, Stewart’s move to White & Case indicates a shift in her professional focus away from hostile engagements with the nascent crypto industry.
Stewart’s Key Role In Legal Battle Against Ripple And Coinbase
Stewart was involved in leading the lawsuit against Coinbase, accusing them of operating as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency. Additionally, she was part of the SEC team engaged in a legal battle with Ripple over whether the XRP token should be classified as an unregistered security. This comes as the SEC appeals a New York federal judge’s ruling that XRP is not a security when sold to the general public.
From SEC Enforcement To Crypto Legal Defense?
Stewart joins White & Case as a partner in their white-collar defense group to develop a “robust practice” specializing in crypto and cyber defense. She believes that legal questions surrounding digital assets will continue to be at the forefront given the industry’s complexity and turbulent enforcement landscape. White & Case, with its global presence and extensive team of lawyers, sees Stewart’s expertise as valuable in navigating the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies.
Hot Take: A Shift Towards Crypto Legal Defense
Ladan Stewart’s move from the SEC to join White & Case signals her shift towards specializing in crypto and cyber defense. As legal questions surrounding digital assets remain at the forefront, Stewart’s experience and expertise will be an asset to White & Case. This move reflects the growing importance of legal defense in the crypto industry as it faces heightened regulatory scrutiny. With her new role, Stewart aims to contribute to the development of a robust legal practice that addresses the complexities of the crypto landscape.
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