On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Mark Uyeda as acting chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), succeeding Gary Gensler.  Mark Uyeda, a Republican member of the SEC, has criticized his predecessor’s regulatory approach, arguing for the need to foster innovation and capital formation, with a particular focus on digital assets. Before joining the SEC, Uyeda served as counsel to Senator Pat Toomey and at the California Securities and Exchange Commission. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and Duke University School of Law. Additionally, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Paul Atkins as the permanent chairman of the SEC.  Atkins, a former SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, is known for his pro-free market and pro-cryptocurrency approach. His appointment signals a possible shift toward more permissive regulation in the financial and cryptocurrency sectors.
