Crypto Chief Bids SEC Farewell

Crypto chief bids SEC farewell after 9 years of service; David Hirsch has worked as an enforcement attorney for the SEC since 2015.

David Hirsch, the chief of the crypto assets team in the enforcement division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has formally announced his departure from the agency.

Hirsch, who began his career as a staff attorney at the SEC, announced on LinkedIn on June 17 that he is resigning from his financial regulator position after nearly nine years of service.

Crypto chief departs from the SEC

Hirsch expressed profound pride in the accomplishments of the Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit during his tenure at the SEC.

“This past Friday was my last day with the SEC after almost 9 years. During that time I had the opportunity to work on more complex, challenging investigations and issues than I ever imagined when I joined the agency as a staff attorney in the Fort Worth Regional Office.”

Hirsch attributed his success to the collaborative efforts of his colleagues and the support of mentors, leaders, and collaborators from various regulatory and law enforcement agencies.

“I am profoundly grateful to an inordinate number of mentors, leaders, colleagues, and friends, too numerous to mention here.” Hirsch continued, “And that encompasses exceptional partners in law enforcement and regulators at the state, federal, and international levels.”

Securities enforcement is a “team sport”

The former SEC official also stated that “securities enforcement is a team sport.” Hirsch emphasized that this was the case during his tenure and expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their contributions toward the same objective.

Hirsch, the former SEC official, acknowledged that it is challenging to depart the agency, which has provided him with a wealth of knowledge.

However, he expressed enthusiasm for the potential challenges that may lie ahead. Nevertheless, the former official said he would take a break before divulging his next project. He stated:

“I look forward to sharing more about that soon, but for now, I’m excited for a break and travel with my family before my son heads to college in the fall.”

Hirsch has served as an enforcement attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) since 2015 and assumed the role of superintendent of the agency’s crypto asset and cyber units division in October 2022. The official served the agency for eight years and ten months before announcing his eventual departure.