Dan Gallagher, Robinhood’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer (CLO) and a former SEC commissioner, is currently viewed as the leading candidate for the role of SEC Chair. Although Hester Peirce, widely known as “Crypto Mom,” is a popular choice among the crypto community, she has expressed no interest in taking on the position.
Following Donald Trump’s recent victory in the U.S. presidential election, there’s growing anticipation within the global crypto community about the future direction of the SEC. During his campaign in July, Trump pledged to replace the current SEC chair, Gary Gensler, immediately upon assuming office. Known for his strict regulatory stance on digital assets, Gensler would be replaced by a leader more favorable to the crypto industry, according to Trump’s statements.
This shift has cast a spotlight on potential candidates for SEC leadership, with Dan Gallagher emerging as the primary contender. According to a recent Reuters report, Trump’s team is considering Gallagher, a former SEC commissioner from 2011 to 2015 and a preferred choice among crypto industry leaders who contributed to Trump’s campaign, hoping a new SEC Chair might take a lighter regulatory approach to digital assets.
Contenders for the SEC Chair and Crypto Industry’s Hopes Gensler, who has led the SEC with a heavy “regulation by enforcement” approach, has faced criticism within the crypto industry. While his term officially extends to 2026, he has suggested he may step down with the new administration’s start.
Although Gallagher is a strong contender, Trump’s transition team is preparing a list of candidates for each financial regulatory body. Another notable name under consideration is former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, who previously served on Trump’s 2016 transition team.
SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. However, Hester Peirce, known for her pro-crypto stance as “Crypto Mom,” has indicated she isn’t interested in the SEC Chair role, despite her popularity in the crypto world.
As the transition proceeds, the crypto community eagerly awaits updates, hoping that the 47th President Trump’s SEC appointee will usher in a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment.
