John Deaton demands the SEC release a report that could uncover a conflict of interest involving William Hinman's ties to Ethereum.
The Core of the Hinman Controversy
In 2018, William Hinman stated that Ethereum should not be classified as a security, allowing it to bypass strict oversight. However, his financial ties with Johnson Thacher, a member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, soon emerged, raising suspicions of a conflict of interest.
Empower Oversight's Initiative
Empower Oversight has been investigating Hinman's actions, suggesting his financial ties may have influenced his Ethereum stance. Their inquiry led to a report by the SEC's Office of Inspector General, which remains unpublished.
Deaton’s Ultimatum to the SEC
Representing 75,000 XRP holders, John Deaton has demanded the SEC release the report within ten days. He emphasized its importance for the Ripple case and for the broader crypto community.
The demand for transparency from the SEC remains critical to all crypto industry stakeholders, especially amid changes in the agency's leadership.