The FTX collapse continues to gasoline critical questions on whether or not regulators confirmed favoritism and have been influenced by politics. As crypto lawyer John E Deaton factors out, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the disgraced founding father of FTX, allegedly used $10 million in donations to the Biden administration to realize particular entry to regulators.
This calculated transfer apparently allowed him to domesticate relationships with key officers, together with these on the Commodity Futures Buying and selling Fee (CFTC) and the Securities and Alternate Fee (SEC).
Coinbase Calls for Solutions on SEC Enforcement Spending
In the meantime, SEC Chair Gary Gensler aggressively pursued enforcement actions in opposition to different crypto corporations whereas assembly with SBF a number of instances.
Due to this, new requires accountability are surfacing, with Coinbase main the push for transparency concerning the SEC’s enforcement spending.
Right here’s what we all know: @SBF_FTX paid $10M to the Biden administration so as to “achieve entry to regulators” and man did it work. He met @CFTCbehnam and others on the CFTC greater than as soon as and was blown kisses 😘 from @RepMaxineWaters after SBF testi-lied about all the things.… https://t.co/dsGHMh7wpx
— John E Deaton (@JohnEDeaton1) March 3, 2025
SBF’s Political Donations Opened Doorways to Regulators
SBF’s monetary contributions reportedly helped him meet with regulators repeatedly, giving him a bonus over others within the crypto trade. For instance, he met with CFTC Chair Rostin Behnam on a number of events, elevating questions on whether or not FTX was getting particular therapy.
Associated: SEC Clears Path for Consensys After Dropping Authorized Battles with Coinbase, Gemini, and Extra
Including to the suspicion, Home Consultant Maxine Waters acted strikingly heat towards SBF, additional growing hypothesis about political favoritism. Stories additionally say Gensler met with SBF a minimum of twice, with rumors suggesting they have been near reaching an settlement that may profit FTX.
Stolen Buyer Funds Could Have Fueled Donations
Past simply getting regulatory conferences, the supply of SBF’s political donations provides much more controversy.
Stories point out that the funds got here from stolen FTX buyer belongings. If that is confirmed, it might imply that FTX prospects unknowingly financed political contributions. These contributions might have protected SBF from regulatory oversight whereas his trade was working illegally.
Coinbase Seeks SEC Transparency By FOIA Request
Coinbase is now demanding solutions concerning the SEC’s enforcement priorities beneath Gensler. The corporate submitted a Freedom of Info Act (FOIA) request.
This request seeks detailed data of investigations and lawsuits in opposition to crypto corporations from April 2021 to January 2025. This consists of info on SEC staff, hours labored, pay, and funds used for crypto enforcement.
Taxpayers Deserve Transparency, Says Coinbase CLO
Coinbase’s Chief Authorized Officer, Paul Grewal, said firmly that taxpayers deserve transparency concerning the SEC’s actions.
Associated: FTX Collectors to Be Repaid Beginning Feb 18, however at 2022’s Rock-Backside Costs
The request goals to search out out if the company’s aggressive strategy to crypto enforcement was motivated by politics or by actual considerations about investor safety. Whereas the SEC has not but responded, this request indicators a rising demand for regulatory accountability.
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