Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler privately supports cryptocurrencies, despite taking an opposing public stance

TechFlow, May 14 — According to Cointelegraph, former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler expressed supportive views toward cryptocurrency during private meetings, a stark contrast to his publicly tough stance. Former U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry revealed that Gensler privately "recognized the value of digital assets" and acknowledged the potential of blockchain technology, yet his position dramatically shifted upon becoming SEC Chair. McHenry suggested this contradiction may have been largely influenced by "Senate politics and confirmation politics." During Gensler's tenure from 2021 to 2025, the SEC took an aggressive regulatory approach toward the crypto industry, launching around 100 enforcement actions, drawing strong criticism from industry leaders. Gensler stepped down in January this year and has returned to teaching at MIT.