Cryptocurrency journalist Eleanor Terrett has shared the latest buzz surrounding potential candidates for the next chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under President-elect Donald Trump.
With the recent appointment of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, attention has turned to other key financial regulatory roles, including the SEC, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the National Economic Council (NEC).
Former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins is currently seen as the frontrunner for the position, according to Terrett. Atkins, who served under President George W. Bush, has long been seen as an advocate for lighter regulations and could bring a crypto-friendly approach to the role.
However, other names have also come into play. The name that stands out is that of Brad Bondi, a white-collar defense attorney who works at Paul Hastings and is the brother of Pam Bondi, Trump’s rumored pick for Attorney General. Brad Bondi is closely linked to Elon Musk. In 2018, he represented Tesla in the SEC’s lawsuit against Musk over his infamous “funding provided” tweet about taking Tesla private.
Another strong candidate is Brian Brooks, who served as Acting Comptroller of the Currency during the Trump administration. Brooks has been an outspoken advocate of cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation. A source close to Trump’s transition team said Brooks recently met with officials to discuss the position.
One common thread among potential candidates is their positive attitudes toward cryptocurrencies. “I promise you, he will be pro-crypto,” Terrett quoted a senior member of Trump’s transition team as saying.
*This is not investment advice.