Discussion about the next U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair has intensified on social media, with speculation centered on potential replacements for current SEC Chair Gary Gensler. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to dismiss Gensler on his first day in office. A speech by Gensler last week, interpreted by some as a farewell address, has fueled rumors of his impending resignation.
While Trump’s choice for SEC chair remains unknown, Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett opined on social media platform X on Friday:
It looks increasingly likely that Gary Gensler will step down voluntarily and choose not to finish his term as commissioner (which would expire in 2026) as some had speculated he may have done.
Speculation in Washington suggests Gary Gensler may announce his resignation after Thanksgiving, with plans to step down in early January ahead of Trump’s inauguration, she noted, providing a shortlist of potential SEC chair candidates, including Paul Atkins, Dan Gallagher, Brad Bondi, and Bob Stebbins.
John Reed Stark, former chief of the SEC’s Office of Internet Enforcement, analyzed the potential SEC chair candidates and their potential impact on cryptocurrency oversight. Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner and free-market advocate, could significantly reduce enforcement against digital assets. Dan Gallagher, noted for his regulatory expertise, might focus on balancing innovation with compliance. Brad Bondi, a securities lawyer, may steer the SEC toward greater industry collaboration by scaling back investigations. Bob Stebbins, former SEC general counsel under Jay Clayton, is viewed skeptically by the crypto community for his role in enforcement actions like the Ripple case, despite his strong regulatory background.
Stark has also weighed in on the broader implications of potential SEC leadership changes, specifically urging Gensler to resign following Trump’s victory. He voiced concerns about the agency’s direction under the shortlisted candidates for SEC chair, cautioning:
Reality is, I’m afraid that under any of these guys, crypto-crime will likely expand exponentially — but the people have spoken, I guess.
Stark’s analysis highlights the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the SEC’s regulatory approach under new leadership. Meanwhile, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as “Crypto Mom” for her advocacy of clear, pro-crypto regulations, has been a popular choice among cryptocurrency proponents. However, reports indicate she is not interested in the role. Another potential candidate, SEC Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda, has emerged as a possible option, leaving the future of the SEC and its crypto policy at a pivotal crossroads. Last week, Trump announced the nomination of former SEC Chair Jay Clayton to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.