Odaily News Megan Barbero, chief legal officer and general counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will leave next week, joining a wave of departures from the agency's senior officials who have been responsible for legal battles with the crypto industry in the past few years. Regarding Barbero's departure, SEC Chairman Gary Gensler said in a statement: "Her thoughtful advice and judgment are essential to the Commission's decision-making."

Barbero’s departure is scheduled for January 20, coinciding with the swearing-in of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Barbero was the agency’s chief legal officer, responsible for how the legal department handles disputes with crypto businesses in federal courts and advises on its enforcement stance. She has served as general counsel since February 2023. The SEC’s chief of enforcement, Gurbir Grewal, left in October, while accounting chief Paul Munter, who was responsible for the agency’s controversial crypto accounting policies, also announced this week that he was leaving. (CoinDesk)