Call For Transparency In SEC Official's Controversy Gains Momentum

According to Odaily, attorney John Deaton, known for his support of cryptocurrency, has called for transparency regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official William Hinman. Deaton emphasized the necessity of publicly releasing the SEC Inspector General's (IG) report on potential conflicts of interest involving Hinman. In a series of posts on X, Deaton highlighted the importance of the findings being disclosed by either the outgoing SEC Chairman Gary Gensler or the incoming chairman Paul Atkins. Deaton argued that any credible investigation would confirm violations of U.S. financial conflict of interest laws, specifically citing 18 USC 208, a federal law prohibiting conflicts of interest in government positions. He stressed that with the facts presented, it would be possible to demonstrate a breach of this law. Despite the possibility that the SEC IG's report might not uncover evidence of procedural misconduct by officials, Deaton insisted that the public deserves to be informed about the investigation's outcomes. This call for transparency underscores the broader demand for accountability and openness within regulatory bodies, particularly in matters involving potential conflicts of interest.