Dan Gallagher, Robinhood's Chief Legal Officer (CLO), is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Gary Gensler as SEC Chair under the incoming Trump administration.
Sources close to the matter indicate that Gensler, whose tenure has been increasingly controversial, is expected to resign by the end of this year, with Gallagher poised to take the helm when Trump resumes office in January 2025. This potential transition is generating significant attention within the cryptocurrency community, which has voiced growing dissatisfaction with Gensler’s regulatory stance.
Gallagher, a former Republican SEC commissioner (2011-2015), is seen as a strong advocate for innovation and market flexibility. His pro-crypto stance has made him a favored figure among crypto executives, particularly those who supported Trump’s political campaign. Known for his advocacy of financial innovation, Gallagher has consistently argued that digital assets should be treated as a distinct asset class, not subject to the same securities laws that govern traditional assets. This position aligns with the crypto industry’s desire for lighter regulation and could signal a shift toward more crypto-friendly policies, such as resolving the SEC vs. Ripple lawsuit and advancing a spot XRP ETF.
While Gallagher is the front-runner, other candidates are also being considered. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as "Crypto Mom" for her pro-crypto stance, was discussed as a potential successor but has reportedly declined the position. Other names in the mix include Republican SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda, former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, and Robert Stebbins, who served as SEC general counsel during Trump’s first term.
Despite Gensler’s term lasting until 2026, the crypto community is pushing for his early departure, with many hoping that Gallagher’s leadership could usher in a more favorable regulatory environment for digital assets. According to Trump’s national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, decisions on key administration positions will be made soon after Trump takes office, signaling that a decision on the SEC Chair may be imminent.
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