In a surprising revelation, lawyers representing Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao claim that current SEC Chair Gary Gensler had offered to serve as an advisor to the crypto exchange back in 2019, CNBC reports. The SEC filed documents on June 7th with allegations that include conversations held in March 2019 where Gensler, who was not serving as head of the SEC at the time, offered his advisory services to Binance executives, including Zhao.
While it is interesting to learn about Gensler’s offer to advise Binance, this disclosure raises questions about the potential implications for the exchange and the industry. On one hand, Gensler’s interest in Binance could be seen as a positive sign that he understands and appreciates the value and potential of blockchain technology. On the other hand, his current role as the SEC Chair could raise concerns about impartiality in matters related to the exchange.
It is crucial for the credibility of both the SEC and Binance that any conflicts of interest are addressed, to maintain the integrity of the parties involved. Binance, for its part, must ensure that it operates transparently and adheres to all applicable regulations under Gensler’s leadership at the SEC.
As for the SEC, Gensler’s prior interest in advising Binance could be an asset as it indicates his knowledge and understanding of the crypto ecosystem. However, it will be essential for the SEC to demonstrate impartiality in cases involving Binance, in order to maintain credibility and trust in its regulatory actions.
In conclusion, while Gensler’s interest in advising Binance in the past highlights his understanding of the industry, it also poses potential conflicts of interest. Both the SEC and Binance must address such concerns to ensure the fair treatment of all parties involved while maintaining the integrity of the industry. Despite this turn of events, the main conflict between the two parties needs to be resolved without any biases arising from their past interactions.
Source: Cointelegraph