Gary Gensler Returns to MIT After SEC Chair Position
Gary Gensler, the former chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has made his way back to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) following his regulatory role.
New Role at MIT
In a recent statement released on Jan. 27, it was confirmed that Gensler will be joining MIT’s Sloan School of Management as a Professor of the Practice. He will be part of the Global Economics and Management Group and the Finance Group, focusing on artificial intelligence, finance, financial technology, and public policy.
Additionally, Gensler will serve as a co-director at FinTechAI@CSAIL, an initiative housed within MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He will be working alongside Professor Andrew W. Lo in leading this program.
- Collaboration for AI Innovation
- Addressing Technical Hurdles
- Exploring Real-World Applications for AI in Finance
Academic and Regulatory Background
Before his time at the SEC, Gensler held a faculty position at MIT Sloan. He also served as the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), where he played a pivotal role in reforming the swaps market.
After stepping down from his position at the SEC on Jan. 20, Gensler returned to academia, marking his comeback to MIT.
Community Response to Gensler’s Return
Gensler’s return to MIT has caused quite a stir among crypto advocates and some MIT alumni.
Devin Walsh, an Executive Director of the Uniswap Foundation and an MIT Sloan graduate, expressed disappointment over Gensler’s reappointment. He believes that this decision could deter students interested in blockchain and other emerging technologies.
“A waste of time, tuition funds, and energy for any student hoping to study and support new and innovative technologies.”
Furthermore, pro-crypto lawyer Gabriel Shapiro pointed out Gensler’s lack of popularity within the industry. He suggested that students, especially those involved in crypto or retail trading, might bring up controversial moments from his lectures on social media.
Notable Mentions