David Edwards
As incoming President Donald Trump sets his sights on the SEC, current Chair Gary Gensler may find his position in jeopardy. During the Bitcoin 2024 conference, Trump announced intentions to fire Gensler, promising to replace him with a more crypto-friendly leader. However, while Trump’s goal is clear, removing a sitting SEC Chair is complex, likely requiring formal legal procedures and potentially facing pushback from the SEC.
Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team, is already identifying potential successors, with speculation swirling around several key candidates known for their pro-crypto stance.
Hester Peirce
Sitting SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as “Crypto Mom” in industry circles, has long been an advocate for digital assets. A frequent dissenting voice within the SEC, Peirce has publicly criticized many of the commission’s enforcement actions against major players like Coinbase and Ripple. Her insider experience and open stance on crypto regulation position her as a leading contender.
Brian Brooks
Former Acting Comptroller of the Currency and crypto industry veteran Brian Brooks has also emerged as a top candidate. Brooks briefly served as CEO of Binance.US before stepping down over concerns about compliance under Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. His regulatory expertise and industry connections could align well with Trump’s pro-crypto agenda.
Chris Giancarlo
As former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Chris Giancarlo earned the moniker “Crypto Dad” for his “Do No Harm” regulatory approach toward blockchain technology. Giancarlo, who helped approve bitcoin futures on the CME and co-founded the Digital Dollar Project, is a potential frontrunner for an SEC Chair who could ease regulatory pressures on the crypto industry.
Heath Tarbert
Another former CFTC Chair, Heath Tarbert, is currently Chief Legal Officer at Circle, issuer of the USDC stablecoin. Tarbert’s dual experience in government and the private sector aligns with a pro-innovation agenda, making him an appealing choice.
Paul Atkins
Ex-SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins is deeply embedded in the crypto advocacy space, co-chairing the Token Alliance and running a consultancy that advises digital asset firms. His regulatory and industry experience could help guide the SEC toward policies that favor innovation.
Dan Gallagher
Dan Gallagher, Chief Legal Officer at Robinhood, served as SEC Commissioner from 2011 to 2015. His work at Robinhood includes navigating regulatory challenges surrounding crypto listings, positioning him as a pragmatic candidate who balances innovation with compliance.
Each of these candidates brings a markedly more crypto-friendly perspective than Gensler, whose cautious approach has sparked criticism in the digital asset space. Despite Trump’s bold promise, replacing the SEC Chair requires Senate confirmation, meaning any nominee’s pro-crypto leanings could face scrutiny. Still, Trump’s clear preference suggests he will pursue a successor aligned with a vision for crypto-friendly regulation.
In the interim, Gensler’s term officially extends through June 2026, though a departure as early as 2025 remains possible. Regardless, Trump’s pledge has intensified speculation, signaling a potentially profound shift in the SEC’s stance on digital assets.
