SEC’s Cicely LaMothe Retires After Influencing Crypto Guidance

Cicely LaMothe, a key figure at the SEC, is retiring after shaping significant cryptocurrency guidance, including policies on meme coins and staking, announced December 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

The announcement of Cicely LaMothe’s retirement from the SEC signals significant regulatory changes and potential market shifts, although immediate impacts remain uncertain.

Cicely LaMothe, the Deputy Director of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, announced her retirement, marking the conclusion of a crucial era in crypto regulation. She played a pivotal role in clarifying the status of meme coins and defining staking regulations.

In her time with the SEC, LaMothe made notable contributions, including drafting key crypto policies. Her tenure left a lasting impact on how the SEC defines and regulates cryptocurrency, with particular attention to staking and meme coins.

Although LaMothe’s retirement is not expected to cause immediate shifts in the market, her departure could influence future regulatory directions. Ethereum’s price remains stable at $2,950 without direct links to her retirement.

The broader implications of her exit reflect a potential shift in the SEC’s regulatory approach towards a more crypto-friendly environment. The introduction of crypto ETFs and case dismissals highlight changing trends in regulatory practices.

The potential outcomes of LaMothe’s departure include variations in regulatory practices, influencing crypto markets dependent on SEC guidelines. Observers await new policies that may emerge from the transition in leadership and strategy.