SEC Chair Candidate Teresa Goody Guillén Promises to Make Crypto Great Again

Key Points:

• Teresa Goody Guillén is a leading contender to head the SEC, with plans to foster a collaborative regulatory approach for cryptocurrency.
• Guillén aims to move away from enforcement-driven policies, establish clear digital asset guidelines, and attract investment.

Teresa Goody Guillén, a former SEC attorney and blockchain expert, is reportedly one of the top candidates to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under President-elect Donald Trump.

Read more: Trump Team Considers Teresa Goody Guillén for New SEC Chair

Leading Candidate for SEC Chair: Teresa Goody Guillén

As a partner in the law firm of BakerHostetler, Teresa Goody Guillén is known for her expertise in bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology. Guillén previously served from 2009 to 2011 in the SEC’s Office of the General Counsel, where she developed an intimate understanding of the inner workings of the agency.

Following that work, she had a distinguished career counselling clients facing Commission enforcement proceedings as well as assisting them in resolving challenging regulatory issues. Her remarks for change, like “Make The SEC Great Again” and “Make Crypto Great Again,” have garnered attention as she expresses her determination to change the SEC’s approach to the cryptocurrency industry.

One of the main points of Guillén’s vision is the shift of strategy by the SEC away from enforcement-driven regulation to one in coordination with the crypto sector. The top brass certainly appears very bullish about her possible leadership.

Brendan Playford, the co-founder of decentralized data provider Masa, termed her the “best candidate” for the role, given the extensive experience that she has in understanding the processes of the SEC and fostering crypto-friendly regulations.

Gary Gensler’s Departure Sets Stage for Leadership Transition

Guillén has promised, if appointed, to bring more defined regulations on digital assets, further business involvement, and investments into the cryptocurrency market. It would be one of the critical changes in the SEC’s approach toward digital assets, especially in comparison with the agency’s attitude up to this point.

The current SEC Chairman, Gary Gensler, is set to step down on January 20, 2025, fulfilling a Trump campaign promise. During his tenure, Gensler focused on regulating digital assets, distinguishing Bitcoin as not a security while advocating for stricter oversight of other cryptocurrencies.