SEC Collects $8.2 Billion in a Year, Over Half from Terraform Labs Settlement

The SEC secured a record $8.2 billion through enforcement actions, with $4.47 billion stemming from a settlement with Terraform Labs (TFL).

The regulator collected $2.1 billion in fines and $6.1 billion in payments to affected investors.

Total figures increased by 65.5% compared to the previous year.

The reported data corresponds to the fiscal year ending on September 30.

The number of cases reviewed during this period decreased by 26%, to 583.

The settlement with the company founded by Do Kwon resulted in “the largest amount in the agency’s history.”

Excluding the TFL fine, the agency received $3.72 billion, the lowest figure since 2013, when it collected $3.4 billion.

On April 5, a jury in the Southern District of New York found Terraform Labs and Kwon guilty of investor deception and securities fraud.

Initially, the regulator proposed a $5.3 billion penalty for the company and its head. In response, defense attorneys suggested a “maximum possible” payment of $3.4 million.

Back in January 2025, current SEC head Gary Gensler will step down.

Among the potential candidates for this position are billionaire Mark Cuban, Robinhood’s CLO Dan Gallagher, former CFTC Chairman Chris Giancarlo, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, and former SEC General Counsel Robert Stebbins.

Earlier, 18 U.S. states filed a lawsuit against the SEC, accusing the agency of overstepping its authority and unfairly targeting the crypto industry.