After leaving the SEC, Gary Gensler returns to MIT with a new focus on AI and finance, drawing attention and criticism from the crypto world.
Gensler’s New Role
Gary Gensler, the former head of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, is returning to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He expressed excitement about reconnecting with MIT to drive innovation in AI and finance. Gensler will co-direct the FinTech AI @ CSAIL initiative with Professor Andrew W. Lo and collaborate with Nobel laureate Simon Johnson to teach an economics course.
Criticism and Concern
Gensler's return has been met with criticism from certain crypto industry figures. Devin Walsh, executive director and co-founder of the Uniswap Foundation, expressed disappointment with MIT's decision, suggesting students attending Gensler's classes could be wasting their time.
Influence and Prospects
Despite the criticism, Gensler's new role at MIT could significantly impact academic discussions on financial technology and crypto regulation. Although he lacks the regulatory authority he held as SEC Chair, his influence on financial and technological discussions is expected to remain substantial.
Gensler's return to MIT opens new avenues for research in AI and finance but brings mixed reactions from the crypto community. His academic role may lead to significant influence in these fields.
