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<h2 id="header-0">Key Insights</h2><p>The announcement of the next U.S. president is imminent, signaling potential changes for the SEC.</p><ul><li>Current SEC Chair Gary Gensler is expected to be replaced regardless of the election outcome.</li><li>Eight candidates are currently in focus, with varying degrees of crypto-friendliness.</li><li>Notable crypto advocates include Hester Peirce and Chris Giancarlo, while Robert Stebbins and Erica Williams are less pro-crypto.</li><li>The U.S. crypto sector has long sought clearer regulation amidst a climate of &#34;regulation by enforcement.&#34;</li><li>Speculation is high regarding who will lead the SEC and whether they’ll adopt a more crypto-friendly approach.<br /></li></ul><p>With the presidential election results about to be revealed, the spotlight turns to the leadership of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, appointed by President Joe Biden in April 2021, may face replacement. <br /><br />Widespread bipartisan dissatisfaction with Gensler’s regulatory approach and the high volume of SEC lawsuits (over 100 since 2021) have fueled calls for a new direction in the agency’s crypto policy.</p><p>Though Gensler’s term runs until January 2026, both Republican and Democratic circles have hinted at possible successors who could potentially reshape <a href="https://x.com/BagBabbling/status/1853726077601849616?ref_src&#61;twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853726077601849616%7Ctwgr%5E216c3fcb9e01754e58b6e6c0bc3338a8214bce95%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url&#61;https%3A%2F%2Fvoiceofcrypto.online%2Fnews%2Fsec-chair-candidates-crypto-regulation" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SEC’s stance on cryptocurrency. </a><br /><br />Some candidates favor a clearer regulatory path, while others might maintain—or even heighten—the existing level of enforcement. Below, we take a closer look at the key candidates likely to influence the future of crypto regulation.<br /></p><h2 id="header-1"><br />The Political Landscape: Trump’s Promise, Harris’s Silence<br /></h2><p>Former President Donald Trump has made it clear he would remove Gensler “on day one” if re-elected, a stance he emphasized at the 2024 Bitcoin Nashville <a href="https://youtu.be/_TmuLMwfwSM" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Conference</a> to a supportive crowd.<br /><br />However, ousting Gensler may require cause, such as proof of neglect or inefficiency, which could take a year, coinciding with the natural end of Gensler&#39;s term.</p><p>On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris has yet to comment on her stance regarding the SEC chair. Nonetheless, whether Trump or Harris takes office, Gensler’s replacement seems inevitable, and eight key contenders are likely being considered.</p><h3 id="1-strong-dan-gallagher-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-8">1. <strong>Dan Gallagher</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 8</h3><p>Currently Robinhood’s Chief Legal Officer, Gallagher previously served as an SEC commissioner (2011-2015) and is known for his critical view of certain financial regulations. Seen as pro-innovation, his involvement in the controversial 2021 GameStop trading freeze could impact his chances. Gallagher has expressed satisfaction with his current role but is open to discussing the SEC chair position.</p><h3 id="2-strong-heath-tarbert-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-7">2. <strong>Heath Tarbert</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 7</h3><p>A former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and now the CLO at Circle, Tarbert has a record of handling crypto-related cases. His combined regulatory and crypto-sector experience positions him well for the role, aligning him with Gallagher in crypto-friendliness.</p><h3 id="3-strong-robert-stebbins-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-5">3. <strong>Robert Stebbins</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 5</h3><p>Currently with Willkie Farr &amp; Gallagher, Stebbins served as SEC general counsel under former Chair Jay Clayton. His extensive SEC background, though limited in crypto, could make him a favorable option if Republicans are in power, due to his connections and legal acumen.</p><h3 id="4-strong-erica-williams-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-4">4. <strong>Erica Williams</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 4</h3><p>Now leading the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), Williams has a reputation for holding firms accountable, with record-breaking penalties under her leadership. While her crypto views are unclear, her meticulous regulatory approach may resonate with those favoring a cautious stance on the industry.</p><h3 id="5-strong-chris-brummer-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-8">5. <strong>Chris Brummer</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 8</h3><p>Known for promoting balanced crypto regulation, Brummer has held advisory roles under Biden and previously worked with Obama’s administration. He founded Bluprynt, a compliance platform for crypto firms, and could bring a more cooperative regulatory stance to the SEC, especially if Harris prevails.</p><h3 id="6-strong-paul-atkins-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-8">6. <strong>Paul Atkins</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 8</h3><p>A former SEC commissioner under George W. Bush, Atkins opposes heavy fines and favors a free-market regulatory approach. His close ties to Trump, demonstrated by his role in the 2016 financial regulation transition team, could make him a top choice in a pro-business administration.</p><h3 id="7-strong-chris-giancarlo-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-9">7. <strong>Chris Giancarlo</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 9</h3><p>Affectionately known as &#34;Crypto Dad,&#34; former CFTC Chair Giancarlo has long been supportive of crypto, having approved Bitcoin futures trading during his tenure. With strong ties to the industry, he’s an attractive choice for those seeking a progressive, pro-crypto SEC Chair.</p><h3 id="8-strong-hester-peirce-strong-crypto-friendliness-score-9">8. <strong>Hester Peirce</strong> — Crypto Friendliness Score: 9</h3><p>Current SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, nicknamed &#34;Crypto Mom,&#34; is perhaps the agency’s strongest pro-crypto voice. Her criticism of Gensler’s enforcement-heavy approach reflects her support for clear regulatory frameworks. Though she’s unsure of continuing beyond her current term, Peirce remains a prominent candidate for SEC leadership.</p><p></p><p>As the U.S. awaits its next president, the crypto community keenly watches for signs of a more transparent, less enforcement-driven SEC. Whether the next chair will support the crypto industry or maintain a similar approach to Gensler remains to be seen.<br /><br /></p>

Top Contenders for SEC Chair After the U.S. Election: Who Will Replace Gary Gensler?

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