The long-standing friction between the cryptocurrency industry and US regulators has taken a dramatic turn as Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have vowed to cut ties with graduates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) following the return of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler to the institution.

Gensler, who recently stepped down from his role leading the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has been appointed as Professor of the Practice at MIT Sloan School of Management. He will focus on artificial intelligence, finance, financial technology, and public policy while co-directing the FinTechAI@CSAIL initiative within MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.‍

A Personal and Institutional Feud

Tyler Winklevoss wasted no time in making his stance clear, stating on social media that Gemini will not consider hiring any MIT graduates as long as the university maintains an association with Gensler. “Not even interns for our summer intern program,” he emphasized.

The statement is the latest in a series of public clashes between the Winklevoss twins and Gensler, who, during his SEC tenure, pursued legal action against Gemini over alleged violations related to its Earn program. The dispute reflects broader tensions between crypto firms and regulators, with many industry leaders accusing the SEC of overreach and unclear regulatory guidance.‍

A Symbolic Stand Against Regulatory Pressure

By singling out MIT, Gemini is making a pointed statement against what it views as anti-crypto sentiment within regulatory and academic institutions. The Winklevoss twins argue that Gensler’s influence, both at the SEC and in academia, has shaped an overly restrictive approach to digital assets, stifling innovation rather than fostering its responsible growth.

While some in the industry support Gemini’s stance, others question the practicality of dismissing an entire pool of graduates from one of the world’s most prestigious technological institutions. MIT has played a pivotal role in blockchain and crypto research, producing some of the brightest minds in the industry. Critics argue that shutting out potential talent based on association with one individual could be counterproductive.‍

Gensler’s Legacy and the Future of Crypto Regulation

Gensler’s return to MIT marks a new chapter in his career after leading regulatory crackdowns on major crypto firms. His focus on AI and financial technology suggests he will continue influencing discussions around digital assets, albeit from an academic perspective rather than a regulatory one.

Meanwhile, Gemini’s decision to blacklist MIT graduates underscores the crypto industry’s deep frustration with regulatory oversight. Whether this move is a symbolic protest or a long-term hiring policy remains to be seen, but it undeniably signals the lingering tensions between regulators and the crypto sector.