Gensler Out, Atkins In? Trump to Pick SEC’s New Chair Tomorrow

Donald Trump’s SEC Chair nomination is set to be announced tomorrow, and it’s already creating a buzz. This could have a huge impact on the future of cryptocurrency in the U.S.

Trump has promised to remove Gary Gensler, the current SEC Chair, on his first day back in office, and with Gensler’s departure already confirmed, the question on everyone’s mind is: who’s next? Will the new SEC Chair usher in a more supportive environment for crypto, or will it lead to even more uncertainty?

Keep reading to find out what’s at stake.

Gensler’s Era: Love It or Hate It

Let’s take a look at Gensler’s time at the SEC. He made waves with his aggressive stance on crypto regulation. Some people supported his efforts to crack down on fraud and launch Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Others weren’t as impressed, especially with his “regulation-by-enforcement” approach, which many felt discouraged innovation and pushed companies away from the U.S.

It’s really a mixed bag.

With Gensler out of the picture, Trump has a big chance to shift gears. Pro-crypto voices are already buzzing about what comes next. Will the SEC finally focus on clarity and innovation? Or are we just trading one set of problems for another?

Who’s Likely to Land the Job?

Prediction markets, like Kalshi, are showing Paul Atkins as the frontrunner for the SEC Chair role. Atkins is known for supporting business-friendly crypto regulations and advocating for clear, innovation-driven rules. His approach is seen as the opposite of Gensler’s, which has many in the crypto world optimistic about what might come next.

Atkins isn’t the only name being discussed. Other strong contenders include Dan Gallagher, Mark Uyeda, Robert Stebbins, and Heath Tarbert. While these candidates have impressive credentials, none have generated as much excitement as Atkins. Trump’s transition team is said to be finalizing its choice, so we’ll know soon enough.

What Could Change for Crypto?

If Atkins, or someone with a similar outlook, takes the SEC Chair position, we could see a major shift in how the U.S. regulates crypto. Instead of focusing on enforcement and restrictions, we might get clearer rules that help businesses thrive and innovate without fear.

That could attract more companies and investors to the space, which would be a positive change for the industry.

Of course, we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves. Politics are complicated, and promises don’t always lead to action. Still, all eyes are on Trump’s upcoming SEC Chair announcement.

Could this be the game-changer that crypto has been waiting for? Only time will tell.