The still-serving chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Gary Gensler, has promoted five senior officials, many of whom are key figures in cryptocurrency-related enforcement. It is reported that the related promotion process usually takes years, but this time it was carried out discreetly and completed quickly, raising questions in the crypto community about the timing and purpose. Former SEC official John Reed Stark stated that Gary Gensler's personnel actions took place before the new chairman Paul Atkins took over, and these five senior officials may continue to serve at the SEC after Trump's inauguration, potentially leading to conflicts as the new chairman attempts to overturn old policies.