Potential SEC Leadership Change Sparks Crypto Industry Interest
According to ShibDaily, Teresa Goody Guillén, a potential successor to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary Gensler, has expressed her views on the agency's future direction. Responding to an official announcement regarding Gensler's upcoming departure, Guillén emphasized the need for the SEC to rebuild trust, engage with the industry, and move away from regulation by enforcement. Her comments, shared on social media, echoed the slogan popularized by President-Elect Donald Trump, "Make The SEC Great Again. Make Crypto Great Again."
Guillén highlighted the importance of protecting investors and maintaining the United States' position in the global financial arena. She stressed the necessity of removing unnecessary obstacles, reducing burdens, and clarifying cryptocurrency regulations. This aligns with Trump's recent speech at the Bitcoin Conference 2024, where he pledged to remove Gensler from his position on his first day in office. Gensler is set to step down from the SEC at noon on January 20, 2025, after serving as chair since April 2021, following the GameStop market events.
During his tenure, Gensler focused on significant reforms, including improvements in treasury markets, advancements in equity market rules, and enhanced corporate governance measures. He reiterated the SEC's position that Bitcoin is not classified as a security, while emphasizing the need for proper registration and disclosure for other cryptocurrencies that meet the criteria of securities under federal law.
The potential appointment of Teresa Goody Guillén as SEC Chair could signal a pivotal shift for the U.S. cryptocurrency sector. As a partner at BakerHostetler and co-leader of the firm's blockchain practice, Guillén brings a wealth of expertise, bridging the traditional financial sector with the rapidly evolving crypto industry. Her leadership could foster a more collaborative regulatory approach, resulting in clearer guidelines for digital assets, aiding crypto businesses in navigating the legal landscape, and attracting increased institutional investment.