Gary Gensler, the SEC chair and crypto’s Public Enemy No. 1, will step down in January, clearing the way for Donald Trump to handpick his successor. But who could that be?
Gensler’s exit, effective the same day Trump officially moves into the White House, follows months of President No.47 threatening to fire him on “Day 1.”
That was going to be complicated with the American system of checks and balances but, as it turns out, Gensler beat him to it.
Trump hasn’t named names yet, but his pro-crypto pivot means a more friendly SEC could finally deliver the clarity that the industry’s been begging for – and keep innovation onshore instead of exporting it overseas.
MONIIFY contacted Trump’s transition team about Gensler’s replacement but didn’t hear back. But word on the street is that the contenders include:
- Teresa Goody Guillen, a former SEC lawyer and securities expert.
- Brian Brooks, ex-acting comptroller of the currency, known for his crypto-friendly positions.
- Dan Gallagher, Robinhood’s chief legal officer and Wall Street veteran.
And then there’s Christopher Giancarlo (aka Crypto Dad), a formal regulator reportedly being eyed for a new role as the country’s first-ever crypto czar.
Gensler’s reign, slated to last until 2026, has been a nightmare for the crypto world. His strategy was to go scorched earth on crypto heavyweights like Binance, Coinbase and Ripple, catching them foul of US securities laws.
Critics say he ruled with a hammer but no handbook, leaving the industry stuck in limbo, confused and frustrated. With Gensler saying goodbye, crypto peeps may have another thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
