Potential SEC chair pledges crypto-forward approach after Gensler resignation

As a seasoned crypto investor with over two decades of market experience under my belt, I find the potential appointment of Mark Uyeda as the next head of the SEC intriguing. Having closely followed the regulatory landscape for digital assets, it’s clear that Uyeda shares my views on the need for clarity in this rapidly evolving sector. His previous criticisms of the SEC for enforcement actions against crypto firms resonate with me, and I believe he has the potential to bring much-needed change to the table.


As a potential future leader of the SEC, I, Mark Uyeda, express my commitment to fostering clarity in the regulation of cryptocurrencies. If confirmed, I aim to prioritize this issue to ensure a more transparent and secure environment for crypto investors like myself.

In an interview with Fox Business on November 22, Uyeda expressed sentiments similar to those of President-elect Donald Trump regarding digital assets, stating that under Chair Gary Gensler’s leadership, the SEC had been engaging in a “campaign against cryptocurrencies.” On November 21, Gensler announced his intention to resign as SEC Chair on January 20, which coincides with Trump’s inauguration day.

Initially, it’s important to ensure understanding from a legal standpoint, as stated by Uyeda: “We can offer the necessary clarification regarding regulatory aspects.” Not all cryptocurrencies are considered securities, however, we must establish if they fall under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or not.

Experts have proposed that Trump might select Uyeda as the next SEC Chair following Gensler’s departure. Trump has revealed potential candidates for numerous roles within his administration since the November 5th election victory; however, there is no appointed candidate to head the securities regulator at this point in time.

Uyeda proposed that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) might establish experimental zones specifically designed for cryptocurrency initiatives to foster American ingenuity. He also mentioned that any adjustments would necessitate collaboration with both Congress and the White House, aiming for a unified and extensive strategy.

He added:

“Whoever steps into that job, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to address some of the regulatory excesses, not only at the SEC but at other administrative agencies.”  

Who will fill Gary Gensler’s seat in 2025?

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s commissioner chose not to discuss his potential acceptance of the head position at the regulatory body. Previously thought to be one of Trump’s strong candidates, Dan Gallagher allegedly stated on November 22nd that he had no intention of taking up the offered role, as per reports from Robinhood executive sources.

In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Uyeda to fill an empty position at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and later, in 2023, for a second term. Throughout his tenure as a commissioner, Uyeda spoke out against enforcement actions taken by the SEC against cryptocurrency companies, asserting that the agency had failed to establish clear guidelines for these firms to follow.

In a report on November 22nd, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that they had initiated a total of 583 enforcement actions during the 2024 fiscal year. These actions led to approximately $8.2 billion in financial restitutions being ordered. Some of the notable cases involved suspected Ponzi schemes like HyperFund and Novatech, as well as instances where Silvergate Capital allegedly provided false or misleading information regarding its cryptocurrency investments to investors.

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2024-11-23 00:47