Who Is Ben Schwartz
Ben Schwartz is a former senior official at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a current partner at the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett. He is widely known for his work on crypto asset regulation and enforcement matters. Before joining the SEC, he held roles at the U.S. Department of Justice and served as counsel to former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. His career focuses on securities law, digital assets, and complex financial investigations.
Schwartz played a central role in shaping the SEC's approach to digital assets during a period of rapid growth in the crypto industry. He was involved in high-profile enforcement actions against major exchanges and projects, including cases targeting unregistered securities offerings and market manipulation. His work helped define how the agency applies existing securities laws to new digital asset products. He also contributed to policy discussions around stablecoins, token classification, and investor protections in decentralized finance.
Ben Schwartz's Career and Role at the SEC
At the SEC, Ben Schwartz served as the Director of the Office of the Chief Economist and later as a senior advisor to the Chair. In these roles, he led economic analysis of market structure, trading practices, and the impact of new technologies on financial markets. He was a key figure in the agency's efforts to modernize disclosure requirements and improve transparency in digital asset markets. His research and policy papers often addressed the intersection of traditional finance and emerging technologies.
Before his SEC tenure, Schwartz worked at the law firm WilmerHale and served in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. He was involved in prosecuting financial crimes and complex securities fraud cases. His experience in both enforcement and economic analysis gave him a unique perspective on how to regulate fast-evolving financial markets. He also contributed to academic research on market microstructure and the effects of high-frequency trading.
Ben Schwartz's Current Role and Industry Influence
Currently, Ben Schwartz is a partner at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where he advises clients on securities law, regulatory compliance, and digital asset strategy. He represents financial institutions, fintech companies, and blockchain projects in matters involving the SEC and other regulators. His practice focuses on helping clients navigate the evolving regulatory landscape for crypto assets, including issues related to registration, disclosure, and enforcement risk. He also advises on mergers and acquisitions involving digital asset companies.
Schwartz continues to be a prominent voice in discussions about the future of crypto regulation in the United States. He frequently participates in industry panels and policy forums, sharing insights on how regulators can balance innovation with investor protection. His work at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett places him at the center of some of the most significant legal and regulatory challenges in the digital asset space. He is also involved in shaping best practices for compliance and risk management in the blockchain industry.