## Gensler Returns to MIT: Change of Stance or Regulatory Continuity?

The former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission has begun a new academic chapter at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, taking on the role of professor to research and teach applied artificial intelligence in finance, financial technology, and regulatory frameworks. The institution confirmed that Gensler will co-direct the @CSAIL@ FinTech AI initiative, a collaborative project between MIT and private sector entities focused on exploring AI solutions.

### The contrast between his past teaching and his regulatory management

What has sparked intense debate in the digital asset community is the apparent contradiction between the positions Gensler expressed during his previous teaching period at MIT (2018-2021) and the regulatory decisions he made later as the top U.S. securities regulator.

During his classes on "Blockchain and Money," Gensler presented favorable perspectives toward cryptocurrencies. In a session titled "Secondary Markets and Crypto Exchanges," he told students: "We know in the U.S. and in many other jurisdictions that three-quarters of the market are not ICOs, are not what would be called securities, even applying criteria like the Howey test in the U.S., Canada, and Taiwan."

He continued: "For that significant proportion of the market, classification as a security has no particular legal or regulatory relevance." In that academic context, he also praised Algorand as a robust technology, highlighting its ability to execute advanced smart contract operations.

### The divergence between theory and practice

However, under his leadership at the regulatory agency, the ALGO token was classified as an unregistered security in multiple enforcement actions against sector entities. This shift in approach has fueled accusations of ideological inconsistency from industry players.

### Market perspective after the regulatory transition

The digital asset sector interpreted Gensler’s departure as a potential turning point for the North American regulatory climate, generating expectations of a clearer and more favorable legal framework for decentralized technologies. This hope was reflected in a wave of requests for crypto investment instruments, including innovative proposals in emerging market segments.

His return to academia raises questions about how his academic perspectives will evolve in light of his previous management, and what approach he will take in financial AI research from a neutral position within the academic ecosystem.