Who will lead the SEC?

Following Donald Trump’s victory, the president’s team is forming key personnel, including the head of the U.S. oversight body. The position is being contested by candidates with high authority and experience in the financial sector.

According to Bloomberg, the top contender is Paul Atkins, a former commissioner of the federal financial markets regulator under the George W. Bush administration. His support for digital assets and fintech contrasts sharply with the tough stance of the current head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gary Gensler.

Who are the candidates?

Several strong candidates with different management approaches are vying for the SEC chair position. The top contender is Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner who advocates for digital assets and reducing regulatory burdens. Other candidates include Mark Uyeda, a current SEC commissioner; Heath Tarbert, a former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Robert Stebbins, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; and Theresa Goody Guillén, an attorney at BakerHostetler with deep expertise in SEC operations.

What to expect from the new leadership?

The new SEC chair will oversee the regulator’s primary functions: detecting financial violations, preventing insider trading, and cracking down on pyramid schemes. Adjustments to digital market regulations in line with modern demands are also anticipated.

The current head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gary Gensler, confirmed he would step down on Trump’s inauguration day, January 20, 2025. His departure marks the end of a period of stringent regulatory reforms that have drawn mixed reactions in the market.