As Donald Trump gears up for a potential return to the White House in January 2025, the cryptocurrency industry is buzzing over who might lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under his administration. While Hester Peirce, affectionately known in the crypto world as “Crypto Mom,” has been suggested, prominent crypto lawyer Jake Chervinsky recently pointed to SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda as a leading candidate for the role.
In a Nov. 6 post on X (formerly Twitter), Chervinsky highlighted Uyeda’s strong stance against current SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s crypto policies, which Uyeda recently criticized as a “disaster for the whole industry.” Appointed as an SEC commissioner in June 2022, Uyeda has consistently advocated for a more collaborative regulatory approach, opposing the SEC’s enforcement-driven stance under Gensler.
Hester Peirce Unlikely to Take Over
While Peirce, appointed by Trump in 2018, has been a vocal supporter of cryptocurrency innovation and has often clashed with the SEC’s restrictive policies, Chervinsky believes her chances of stepping into the chair role are “very low.” He explained that taking on the role of chair is a challenging, often thankless position that may not appeal to Peirce, who may feel ready to transition out after her years of service.
Peirce has earned the nickname “Crypto Mom” in the community for her advocacy of open dialogue between regulators and the crypto industry, pushing for policies that encourage, rather than stifle, innovation. However, she has yet to comment publicly on her interest—or lack thereof—in the position following Trump’s election.
Trump’s Crypto Policy and the SEC Chair Search
Chervinsky also noted that Trump may seek to bring in someone new to lead the SEC rather than selecting a current commissioner. He pointed out that Trump’s primary goal in shaping crypto policy would likely be to end what he describes as the Biden administration’s “regulation by enforcement” strategy, including dropping certain enforcement actions against crypto firms.
In his vision, Chervinsky sees a new SEC administration focused on reducing legal pressures on major crypto firms and shifting away from the prosecutorial approach seen under Gensler.
Potential Future of the SEC Under Trump
As speculation grows, the crypto community eagerly awaits Trump’s decisions on SEC leadership and potential policy shifts. If Uyeda is selected, it could signal a shift toward a more industry-friendly regulatory environment, aligning with calls for more open communication and transparency between the SEC and cryptocurrency advocates.
