The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may see a leadership change as early as April or May 2025, following historical patterns that typically see the chair stepping down as new administrations take office.
What Happened: According to a 10x Research report, Gary Gensler, the current SEC chair, is expected to step down soon after the presidential transition, allowing the incoming administration to appoint a new leader aligned with its policy goals.
Previous transitions have followed a similar timeline, with new SEC chairs confirmed in the spring after presidential elections, such as Jay Clayton in May 2017 and Gensler in April 2021.
This anticipated change comes at a critical moment for the digital asset industry, as recent election results suggest a shift toward a more crypto-friendly Congress.
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Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) co-founder Brian Armstrong welcomed what he called "America's most pro-crypto Congress ever," noting that over 219 pro-crypto candidates were elected to the House and Senate.
Armstrong emphasized the need for "clear rules of the road for digital assets," highlighting the growing influence of the "crypto voter" in shaping U.S. policy.
"The crypto voter has spoken decisively—across party lines and in key races across the country," Armstrong stated, expressing optimism about working with the new Congress to establish favorable regulations for digital assets.
This combination of a pro-crypto Congress and an expected change in SEC leadership could create a more accommodating environment for the crypto industry.
Many in the industry are hopeful that the new administration's appointee will prioritize policies that support innovation while providing regulatory clarity.
What's Next: As industry leaders and investors look ahead to these potential shifts, they will have an opportunity to discuss their implications at Benzinga's Future of Digital Assets event on Nov. 19.
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