US SEC Struggles to Fill Crypto Specialist Vacancies Amid Negative Public Perception

The US SEC has struggled to fill vacant Crypto Assets Specialist positions, with several crypto experts declining offers to work with the regulator. As of September 30, 2023, 491 out of 5,303 authorized positions in the SEC's office remained unfilled, including positions in the Division of Examination, Trading and Markets, and Enforcement. The SEC has cited a small pool of qualified experts and competition with the private sector as challenges in filling these positions, and the agency's prohibition on staff holding crypto assets has also been a hindrance. Filling these vacancies is a priority for the SEC in the next fiscal year to address gaps in the regulation of crypto activities in the US.