The Securities and Exchange Commission is poised to shift its stance on cryptocurrency regulation as Chair Gary Gensler prepares to exit next month. Under Gensler, the SEC aggressively pursued litigation against crypto exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken, alleging they violated securities laws. With Donald Trump's return to the presidency, the SEC is expected to adopt a more lenient regulatory approach, as Trump's administration has pledged support for the digital asset industry. Potential successors to Gensler favor settlements that reduce litigation burdens.