The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the planned retirement of Cicely LaMothe, who has been serving as the longtime Deputy Director of the Division of Corporation Finance, marking the end of a 23-year tenure at the agency. LaMothe, who played a significant role in guiding the SEC‘s evolving policies on digital assets, stepped down as the commission continues to adopt a more accommodating stance toward the cryptocurrency sector.
In a statement released on December 29, 2025, LaMothe reflected on her time at the SEC:
“After more than two decades at the SEC, I depart with a deep sense of honor and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the American public. The work has been incredibly challenging and rewarding, and I have learned immensely from the dedicated individuals who commit themselves daily to this critical mission. To my colleagues, your integrity and, more importantly, your friendship, has been my true inspiration and constant motivation.”
LaMothe’s contributions extended across corporate disclosure and emerging financial technologies.
In recent years, she spearheaded several important staff guidance documents addressing cryptocurrency issues.
Among these were clarifications stating that meme coins typically do not qualify as securities, provided certain conditions are met, and detailed explanations of the agency’s views on staking activities, including distinctions between custodial and non-custodial arrangements.
Reports indicate she contributed to at least seven such statements, covering topics like stablecoins, crypto mining disclosures, and exchange-traded products linked to digital assets.
These efforts helped provide much-needed regulatory clarity during a period of rapid industry growth.
Outside of crypto, LaMothe directed policy initiatives related to company registration processes, including recommendations for accelerating reviews of draft filings and addressing provisions like mandatory arbitration.
She also advanced improvements in disclosure reviews to enhance efficiency and oversight effectiveness.
LaMothe joined the Division of Corporation Finance in 2002, rising through various leadership roles, including Program Director of the Disclosure Review Program, Associate Director positions in assessment and operations, and eventually Deputy Director for Disclosure Operations in 2022.
She briefly served as Acting Director following a prior leadership transition.
Prior to the SEC, she spent six years in private practice, serving as a financial reporting manager for a public company and as an auditor at a national accounting firm.
A licensed Certified Public Accountant, LaMothe holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hampton University.
Her departure comes amid broader shifts at the SEC, including approvals for crypto-related ETFs and ongoing efforts to modernize rules for digital assets.
Colleagues and industry observers have acknowledged LaMothe’s expertise and dedication, noting her role in balancing investor protection with innovation.
As the agency moves forward under new leadership and the pro- innovation Trump Administration, her role in shaping fair and transparent markets is expected to endure in the coming years.