The SEC has named Valerie Szczepanik associate director of the Division of Corporation Finance and senior adviser for digital assets and innovation, a newly created advisory position.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Wall Street's major regulator. On the cryptocurrency front, the SEC's actions have mostly focused on alleged scams and fraudulent behavior. It has released multiple warnings to and publications for investors. Last month, the SEC even launched a parody initial coin offering for the HoweyCoin to educate investors about cryptocurrencies.
Szczepanik most recently was an assistant director in the Division of Enforcement's cyber unit. She will now coordinate securities regulatory efforts across all SEC divisions and offices with regard to emerging digital asset technologies, including initial coin offerings and cryptocurrencies.
