Mark Uyeda Designated As Acting Chairman of US SEC: White House

President Donald Trump, through the White House, has designated Mark Uyeda, a current Commissioner at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the agency’s acting Chairman. Mark Uyeda’s appointment was one of the first on the president’s first day in office.

Mark Uyeda as US SEC Acting Chair

The newly appointed Mark Uyeda entered the US SEC as a Commissioner on June 30, 2022, establishing a clear stance as a pro-crypto regulator. The White House communique revealed his appointment as acting chair alongside 14 other federal US agencies. The announcement did not define how long Mark Uyeda will remain acting Chair of the US SEC.

Former Chairman Gary Gensler officially left the agency weeks after he announced his resignation. As reported earlier, President Trump has nominated Paul Atkins to lead the securities regulator more permanently. Mark Uyeda will likely continue acting as chairman until Atkins is confirmed and cleared by lawmakers for a takeover.

As he served alongside Gary Gensler, Uyeda has always maintained a different ideology regarding the crypto ecosystem. With Gensler’s departure, the acting chair is expected to change course from the past administration’s tough stance on capital markets.

While the acting chairman’s role is multifaceted, Mark Uyeda may focus on management and leadership. Paul Atkins’s potential resumption is pending, and he will also ensure market stability.

Industry Reaction To the Appointment

Following Gary Gensler’s departure, the US SEC’s website has been updated, with only three commissioners left. Pro-crypto lawyer MetaLawMan shared this update on X, noting that the new era at the SEC is official.

It’s Official! New Era at SEC Has Begun.

The SEC website confirms there are officially three Commissioners at the SEC, with the departures of Gensler and Lizarraga.

The SEC is authorized to take action on any matter with a quorum of 3 and a 2-1 vote.https://t.co/OWTc5z9eE8

— MetaLawMan (@MetaLawMan) January 20, 2025

Commissioners Hester Peirce and Caroline Crenshaw will support Mark Uyeda. While Peirce’s term will expire this year, that of Crenshaw ended last year. As reported earlier by Coingape, the US Senate canceled Crenshaw’s renomination hearing after backlash from the crypto ecosystem.

Only Mark Uyeda will serve until 2028. Based on the current structure of the US SEC, the number of pro-crypto commissioners outshines the anti-crypto regulator. This imbalance can stir many positive changes in the industry at this time.

Caroline Pham for US CFTC Chair

While not captured in the White House update, the President appointed Caroline Pham as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair. The appointment has been affirmed by CFTC Commissioners, with Pham also stating to confirm the appointment.

Caroline Pham also has a positive ideology regarding the crypto ecosystem. Together, both Mark Uyeda and Caroline Pham are considered a positive signal that a new era is dawning for the industry.