Gary Gensler, the current Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is expected to resign by early 2025, as per 10x Research. 

10x Research's latest analysis suggests that with President Joe Biden stepping down from the presidential race, the political climate is set for a dramatic change. The firm’s founder, Markus Thielen, anticipates that Donald Trump, who seems likely to win the upcoming election due to the lack of a strong opposition, will likely take office in January 2025. 

Despite Gensler's term extending until June 5, 2026, the speculation is that he will step down in January or February 2025, aligning with the transition to a new presidential administration.

Thielen’s report points out that historically, a new administration in the White House often leads to changes in key regulatory positions, including the SEC Chair. 

Implications for the Cryptocurrency Market

The prospect of a pro-crypto administration under Trump is seen as a positive development for digital assets. The report also highlights potential bullish catalysts for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. 

Thielen notes that rumors and reports suggest Trump might make a major announcement at the upcoming Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Tennessee, scheduled for July 25.

The 10x Research founder  warns investors to remain cautious, as Bitcoin could experience a "parabolic move" in the coming months, with its previous all-time high of $68,300 potentially serving as a new benchmark. 

SEC’s Regulatory Challenges

Amid these speculations, the SEC faces mounting scrutiny from various states challenging its regulatory authority over cryptocurrencies. Recently, seven U.S. states—including Iowa, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, and Oklahoma—filed an amicus brief opposing the SEC’s attempt to regulate digital assets. 

The coalition argues that the SEC’s actions exceed its statutory authority and threaten to stifle innovation within the cryptocurrency industry.

“The Biden SEC is attempting to abuse its power and put itself in charge of regulating cryptocurrency, bypassing state consumer-protection laws,” the Iowa Attorney General’s Office stated.

The brief contends that the SEC’s approach constitutes a “power grab” that undermines state-level efforts to regulate and protect consumers. It also asserts that Congress did not grant the SEC explicit power to regulate cryptocurrencies, and the SEC’s actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Major Questions Doctrine.