- Ladan Stewart, the former leader of the SEC’s crypto enforcement unit, has left the agency to join White & Case’s white collar defense group. Stewart will look to develop a crypto and cyber defense practice at the firm.
- Stewart was an 8-year veteran at the SEC and led high-profile actions against the crypto industry, including last year’s lawsuit against Coinbase. Her move comes as the crypto industry faces increased regulatory scrutiny.
- In addition to Stewart, White & Case added John Cahill, a former Paul Hastings partner focused on Asia M&A. Cahill co-launched Paul Hastings’ Hong Kong office in 2002.
The leader of the SEC‘s crypto enforcement unit, Ladan Stewart, has left the agency to join White & Case‘s white collar defense group. Stewart will look to develop a crypto and cyber defense practice at the firm.
Stewart’s Background at the SEC
Stewart was an 8-year veteran of the SEC’s enforcement division. Since September 2022, she headed the agency’s first-ever crypto and cyber litigation unit.
In this role, Stewart led high-profile actions against the crypto industry. Most notably, she led last June’s lawsuit against Coinbase, accusing the exchange of acting as an unregistered securities broker.
Stewart was also involved in the SEC’s ongoing case against Ripple over whether its XRP token is an unregistered security. Though a judge ruled XRP is not a security last year, the SEC has appealed.
Stewart’s Move Comes Amid Crypto Scrutiny
Stewart’s jump to White & Case comes as the crypto industry faces increased regulatory pressure. She said crypto’s growth makes legal issues surrounding it “forefront” concerns.
Joel Cohen, leader of White & Case’s white collar group, said Stewart’s SEC experience will be invaluable given the focus on crypto regulation.
White & Case Also Adds Asia M&A Partner
In addition to Stewart, White & Case added John Cahill, a former Paul Hastings partner focused on Asia M&A.
Cahill co-launched Paul Hastings’ Hong Kong office in 2002. His hire follows White & Case bringing on private equity lawyer Taurie Zeitzer from Paul Weiss in January.
