SEC Crypto Enforcement Actions Fall 60% in 2025 as Atkins Prioritizes Fraud Cases

In 2025, under Chairman Paul Atkins, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission reduced its cryptocurrency enforcement actions by 60%, concentrating on fraud and direct investor harm while scaling back broad registration cases. The agency brought only 13 crypto-related actions and cut monetary penalties by $142 million from the prior year, coinciding with dismissals involving platforms such as Coinbase and Binance. As of January 23, 2026, Ethereum is trading at $2,960.55 amid heightened volatility and an evolving regulatory approach.