The Trump transition team is considering candidates for the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with some emerging as potential champions for the crypto industry. Former Commissioner Paul Atkins, former Acting Comptroller Brian Brooks, and former General Counsel Robert Stebbins are among those being eyed to lead a more pro-crypto SEC.
While it’s too early to predict what a pro-crypto SEC would mean for the sector, crypto investors and advocates should be cautiously optimistic about the prospects of more favorable regulations. Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton has expressed optimism that the incoming administration will bring about regulatory clarity for the crypto industry.
Even if a strongly pro-crypto SEC does not materialize, a moderation of the aggressive regulatory approach taken by outgoing Chair Gary Gensler would still represent a significant improvement for crypto entrepreneurs and institutions. The SEC’s more accessible approach would enable them to establish and grow crypto-native businesses more easily.
A key area of focus for a pro-crypto SEC is improving tokenization options. The current regulatory landscape has made it challenging for crypto entrepreneurs to offer traditional products and services, leading to obstacles in the market. A more favorable regulatory environment could help alleviate these issues.
Easing regulatory concerns would be another significant benefit of a pro-crypto SEC. A more approachable and open SEC would provide a tailwind to the sector, enabling U.S.-based crypto firms to chart out plans for capital raising and deployment. This, in turn, would attract capital to the US and foster growth in the crypto space.
The Trump transition team’s plan to establish a formal crypto advisory council is also seen as a positive development. Prioritizing crypto at the federal level would demonstrate that the US is open to and amendable to crypto investors and entrepreneurs, ultimately benefiting other emerging sectors like AI and GenAI.
Regardless of who leads the SEC in 2025, crypto investors and advocates should be prepared for substantive conversations and positive progress. As the landscape approaches a more favorable regulatory environment, it’s essential to keep expectations grounded while remaining optimistic about the prospects for the sector.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/12/01/what-crypto-investors-can-expect-from-a-pro-crypto-sec