- Teresa Goody Guillén, a blockchain lawyer, is a leading candidate for SEC chair under Trump.
- The decision for the new SEC chair is expected before Thanksgiving.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering Teresa Goody Guillén, a seasoned securities attorney and blockchain expert, to chair the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Goody Guillén, a partner at BakerHostetler and co-lead of its blockchain team, has significant experience in securities law and blockchain advocacy.
Trump’s transition team prioritizes a pro-crypto candidate to replace outgoing Chair Gary Gensler. Gensler is expected to step down before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, aligning with the president-elect’s promise to overhaul the SEC. Trump aims to end the agency’s “regulation by enforcement” approach and introduce light-touch crypto regulation.
A Transformative Choice
Goody Guillén served in the SEC’s Office of the General Counsel from 2009 to 2011. She later worked with former SEC Chair Harvey Pitt, advising clients on enforcement issues. Her dual experience within the SEC and as a defender of blockchain companies makes her a strong contender for the role.
Crypto executives, including Brendan Playford of Masa, strongly support Goody Guillén. Playford described her as an “instant change-maker” capable of transforming the SEC’s stance on digital assets. Industry leaders believe her appointment would drive regulatory clarity and support the crypto sector’s growth.
Goody Guillén faces competition from high-profile candidates, including Robert Stebbins of Willkie Farr & Gallagher and former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins. Other contenders include Robinhood’s Chief Legal Officer Dan Gallagher and Brian Brooks, former Acting Comptroller of the Currency.
Trump’s transition team, led by Howard Lutnick, aims to finalize the SEC chair decision before Thanksgiving. This swift process reflects the administration’s focus on rapid regulatory reform.
If selected, Goody Guillén’s leadership could mark a turning point for U.S. crypto regulation. Her understanding of securities law and blockchain technology positions her to foster a balanced regulatory environment. The industry awaits Trump’s announcement, which could reshape the SEC and the future of crypto in the U.S.
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