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Ladan Stewart, the SEC lawyer who led the agency’s lawsuit against Coinbase, is leaving the agency. According to Stewart, he left the SEC to join another law firm Ladan Stewart, a leader in the SEC crypto unit that has been enmeshed in high-profile court fights with the industry, has left the agency to join White & Case, the firm Coinbase has announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to drop its lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit, filed in 2025

SEC Lawyer Who Led Coinbase Lawsuit Leaves Agency: What It Means for Crypto

Big news in the crypto world: Ladan Stewart, the SEC lawyer who spearheaded the agency’s high-profile lawsuit against Coinbase, is leaving the SEC. This departure raises questions about the future of the case and the SEC's approach to cryptocurrency regulation.

Ladan Stewart Joins White & Case After Leading Coinbase SEC Lawsuit

Ladan Stewart, a leader in the SEC crypto unit, has officially left the agency to join White & Case, a prominent law firm. This move comes after Stewart led the charge in the SEC's lawsuit against Coinbase, one of the most significant legal battles in the cryptocurrency industry.

Impact on the Coinbase Lawsuit

The departure of Ladan Stewart, the SEC lawyer who led the agency’s lawsuit against Coinbase, is significant. While the case will continue, the loss of a key figure intimately familiar with the details could potentially impact the SEC's strategy. The lawsuit, filed in 2025, alleges that Coinbase operated as an unregistered securities exchange. While Coinbase hasn't announced that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to drop its lawsuit against the company, Stewart's move injects uncertainty into the proceedings.

Why Did Ladan Stewart Leave the SEC?

According to Stewart, he left the SEC to join another law firm, seeking new opportunities. While the specific reasons are not public, career advancements and the potential for different types of legal work are common motivators for lawyers changing firms. His expertise gained while leading the SEC crypto unit will undoubtedly be valuable to White & Case.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Crypto Regulation?

Ladan Stewart's departure marks a turning point in the SEC's ongoing battle with the cryptocurrency industry. It remains to be seen how her departure will ultimately affect the Coinbase case and the SEC's broader approach to regulating digital assets. The industry will be watching closely to see if this leads to a change in tactics or a renewed commitment to enforcement.

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