Crypto Advocates John Deaton Demand SEC Unveil Hinman Report Before Gensler Exit

John Deaton, a key advocate in the cryptocurrency community, has called on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to release its report on the controversial 2018 speech by former SEC official William Hinman. The speech, which declared Ethereum not a security, has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest. Deaton’s appeal underscores the crypto community’s demand for transparency in regulatory actions.

John Deaton Pressures SEC for Hinman Report Release

Empower Oversight, a watchdog group, previously pressed the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate Hinman’s actions amid claims of external influence. The investigation concluded, and the findings were submitted to SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, but the report remains unpublished. This delay has fueled skepticism, particularly as Ripple faces allegations of XRP being improperly classified as a security while Ethereum was exempted.

John Deaton, representing 75,000 XRP holders in Ripple’s legal battle with the SEC, emphasized the report’s significance. He argued that releasing the findings is crucial to understanding whether regulatory actions were impartial. His efforts highlight the growing demand for accountability in cryptocurrency regulation.

Contact Chair Gensler and ask for the release of the OIG report on Bill Hinman's conflicts on interest.

202-551-2100 or [email protected]

Respond with videos of calling his office below! https://t.co/nBQvE42Zfj

— CryptoLaw (@CryptoLawUS) January 9, 2025

Deaton directly urged SEC Chairman Gensler to release the report before stepping down on January 20. Given the impending leadership change with Paul Atkins set to take over, he stressed the urgency. The transition could reshape the regulatory landscape, adding urgency to the report’s release.

The call for action has gained momentum as Deaton encouraged the public to contact the SEC through emails and phone calls. He positioned this effort as a critical step toward ensuring fairness and transparency in the agency’s decision-making process. Many believe the report could clarify the inconsistencies in the SEC’s treatment of cryptocurrencies.

Ripple Case Highlights Broader Implications

The Ripple case exemplifies the broader challenges facing cryptocurrency regulation. Critics argue that the SEC’s selective enforcement has hindered innovation and undermined trust in its decisions. Releasing the Hinman report could address these concerns and set a precedent for greater accountability.

As the SEC prepares for its leadership transition, the crypto community remains focused on obtaining clarity. Advocates like Deaton stress that the report represents more than Hinman’s actions—it tests regulatory fairness. 

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