Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler Returns to MIT to Tackle AI

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Gary Gensler Returns to MIT to Tackle AI After SEC Leadership

Written by Aaron S.,

Editor-In-Chief

Last Updated: January 29, 2025

Key Takeaways

Gary Gensler is returning to MIT to focus on AI research after his time as SEC Chair overseeing crypto and financial markets;
He will co-lead an initiative exploring AI’s impact on finance and co-teach a course on economic trends;
Gensler's return to MIT has sparked criticism from some in the crypto community.

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Gary Gensler Returns to MIT to Tackle AI After SEC Leadership

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The former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, Gary Gensler, will rejoin Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), shifting his focus to artificial intelligence (AI), according to the MIT Sloan School of Management's statement on January 27.

Before leading the SEC, Gensler worked at Goldman Sachs and later became a professor at MIT. He also studied how AI could affect financial systems, publishing research on the risks it might bring.

At MIT, he will co-direct the FinTech AI @CSAIL initiative with Professor Andrew W. Lo. This program will connect companies with MIT researchers to explore AI’s role in finance.

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Additionally, Simon Johnson will work alongside Gensler to teach a course on economic topics, helping students understand AI’s potential impact on business and policy.

Though Gensler will not have the same authority he held as SEC Chair, his new position could still influence the industry. MIT has strong ties with tech firms and policymakers, meaning his research may help shape discussions on AI regulations and applications.

Gensler's return to MIT has drawn criticism from some in the crypto community. Uniswap Foundation’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Devin Walsh, expressed disappointment in the decision, stating:

As an MIT Sloan graduate, incredibly embarrassed and disappointed to see them rehire Gensler. A waste of time, tuition funds, and energy for any student hoping to study and support new and innovative technologies.

Before stepping down from his role at the SEC, Gensler shared his views on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. What did he say? Read the full story.