The recent news that Donald Trump is considering Teresa Goody Guillén, a seasoned securities lawyer and partner at law firm BakerHostetler, to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sent shockwaves through the crypto industry. This move is seen as a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, and many believe it could have far-reaching implications for the industry.
According to sources, Goody Guillén is among several candidates being considered to replace SEC chair Gary Gensler, who is expected to step down before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Goody Guillén has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding the crypto industry, having served as an attorney for the Office of the General Counsel at the SEC from 2009 to 2011. She has also worked with blockchain companies and traditional Wall Street firms, giving her a unique perspective on the industry.
As a pro-crypto non-bureaucrat, Goody Guillén is seen as a potential game-changer for the industry. She has been described as “tough as hell” by peers, and her appointment could bring about a much-needed overhaul of the SEC. The Trump team is looking for someone who understands the industry and will exercise restraint when it comes to applying securities laws to digital assets until clear legislation is passed by Congress.
This move is also seen as a victory for the crypto industry, which has been lobbying for a more favorable regulatory environment. The industry has spent over $130 million on the former president and other Republican candidates, and it seems that their efforts have paid off. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong reportedly met privately with Trump to discuss personnel appointments, and it is clear that the industry has the Trump team’s ear in the selection process.
In terms of predictions, it is likely that Goody Guillén will be appointed as the next SEC chair, given her experience and understanding of the industry. This could lead to a more favorable regulatory environment for the crypto industry, with a focus on light-touch regulation and a more nuanced approach to applying securities laws to digital assets. However, it is also possible that Goody Guillén could face resistance from Congress, given her pro-crypto stance and her potential to bring about significant changes to the SEC.
Overall, the consideration of Teresa Goody Guillén to lead the SEC is a significant development for the crypto industry, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks and months. As one token project founder said, “She would be an instant change maker,” and it is clear that the industry is eagerly awaiting her potential appointment.
