Ethereum Foundation Gets SEC Scrutiny in Latest Crypto Crackdown

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has demanded information from companies about dealings with the Ethereum Foundation as part of a review of aspects of Ether — the world’s second-biggest cryptocurrency, according to people familiar with the matter.

The recent SEC inquiry may represent a significant escalation by Wall Street’s main regulator in its multiyear crackdown on the crypto industry. The agency’s chair, Gary Gensler, says many digital assets are unregistered securities subject to SEC rules. He’s refused to say if Ether is part of that group.

Although Gensler has avoided making a declaration about Ether’s status, he has ...