Galaxy CEO Reveals Potential US SEC Chair Under Donald Trump

Galaxy CEO Mike Novogratz believes that Commissioner Hester Peirce, who has been vocal in her criticism of SEC Chairman Gary Gensler’s approach of regulating the crypto industry through lawsuits rather than rulemaking, would be an excellent choice for the next US SEC Chair.

Novogratz’s endorsement of Peirce comes as she has been a staunch advocate for a more thoughtful, clear regulatory framework for the crypto space. Peirce’s position as the most outspoken Republican on the SEC under Gensler’s leadership further solidifies her potential candidacy for the top position at the agency.

Hester Peirce May Become Future US SEC Chair, Says Novogratz

While the crypto industry awaits the forthcoming shift in regulation, many are setting their gaze upon Hester Peirce – a prominent commissioner of the SEC – who is in a great position to have a lot to say about the future of cryptocurrency in this country. She would be an excellent choice for the US SEC Chair, at least when it comes to Galaxy CEO Mike Novogratz who openly supported Peirce, during his CNBC call.

.@novogratz says he sees a "substantial shift in the energy" of the crypto industry in the coming months if Trump appoints crypto supporters to SEC, FDIC and OCC roles. pic.twitter.com/IP63AbDfdI

— Squawk Box (@SquawkCNBC) November 6, 2024

The crypto community has often called her “Crypto Mom” due to her friendly stance toward crypto. Her influence has greatly influenced considering more friendly regulations toward digital assets. With Gary Gensler’s term ending in a few months as US SEC Chair, Peirce’s name comes out tall. One can see the elevation as turning the tide in a different direction concerning crypto regulation by the SEC.

She has also long supported bringing clarity and regulatory certainty to crypto. Her more open and balanced perspective is a far cry from that of Gensler. He was decidedly tough on the operators in the industry with his aggressive enforcement activities. His push for more strict regulation also resulted in significant friction with the crypto community.

With rumors that Gensler will soon resign, Peirce’s possible appointment is a cause for optimism in the cryptospace. Industry players like Novogratz believe that with Peirce, the SEC might finally turn toward a more enabling framework. As such, it could allow innovation rather than being throttled in growth.

At the conference Bitcoin Nashville in July, Donald Trump promised to fire Gensler if he won re-election in 2024. “On Day one, he will be gone,” Trump told attendees. But technically, he would have to cite legal reasons for removal, such as neglect or incompetence. The process could take longer than a year with legal reviews.

The crypto community widely regards Peirce as a “Crypto Mom” because she has criticized Gensler’s approach. In a September 16 dissenting opinion with Commissioner Mark Uyeda, she stated, “Leaving crypto to be addressed in an endless series of misguided and overreaching cases has been and continues to be a consequential mistake.”

Peirce has extensive experience in financial market regulation. She has done research at George Mason University and in advisory roles to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Peirce also worked as an attorney with the SEC and an associate at WilmerHale. Former President Obama appointed Peirce, and she has been an SEC commissioner since 2018.

While she has gained much support in the crypto industry, Peirce said to leave the commission when her term ends. Setting her up as the US SEC Chair because of this, therefore, would be very farfetched.

A New Era for Crypto Regulation?

The recent political jolts have given Mike Novogratz reason to speak loudly and clearly about the probable regulatory change in the pipeline. He believes that the crypto industry is in a better place with a Congress open toward blockchain and cryptocurrency.

He said more significant electoral victories have placed pro-crypto lawmakers in key positions that preach a wide trend of support for crypto-friendly policies. Novogratz underlined far more growth is yet to be seen. Of course, with the exemplary leadership of the most important regulatory agencies,

Novogratz said the whole dynamic changes if someone gets in charge of the SEC and is open-minded about crypto. He added that perhaps with Peirce as the US SEC Chair, the SEC could finally start fleshing out a regulatory regime friendlier to the crypto world.  He said a scenario would follow in which large institutions would come aboard with digital assets. That would bring severe liquidity into the market, fostering innovation in the sector.

The crypto industry has seen tough regulatory times lately, but Novogratz remains optimistic about its future. He says that in the next couple of years, there is a likelihood of massive changes. These changes could help crypto grow further with new appointments like those announced in the SEC, FDIC, and FCC. “It is going to be a step change,” he said, of the wholesale regulatory change that could unleash billions in market value.

Still, Novogratz believes the long-term prospects of crypto are very bright. The regulatory landscape has only started shifting, and the hope is that this new leadership at the SEC will take away the uncertainty and allow for a better climate in which crypto can grow for investors, businesses, and innovators alike to have much-needed clarity.