Teresa Goody Guillén, a seasoned blockchain lawyer and former SEC attorney, has emerged as a leading candidate to head of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), per CoinDesk.

A Changing of the Guard at the SEC?

Current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who has long been seen as a vocal critic of the crypto sector, is expected to step down by Thanksgiving. Gensler’s tenure has been marked by a hardline approach toward digital assets, leading many in the crypto industry to hope for a new, more crypto-friendly SEC chair under Trump’s leadership. 

Goody Guillén, a partner at the law firm BakerHostetler, stands out as a top contender due to her deep ties to both the blockchain space and her experience at the SEC.

Goody Guillén’s Credentials

Goody Guillén co-leads BakerHostetler’s blockchain practice, where she has become a trusted advocate for both blockchain companies and traditional financial institutions. Her past experience at the SEC from 2009 to 2011, when she worked for the Office of the General Counsel, has earned her a reputation as someone who understands the inner workings of the regulatory body. Additionally, her work advising clients on SEC enforcement cases as COO and managing director at Kalorama Partners further strengthens her qualifications.

Per reports, crypto companies, who have privately advocated for her candidacy, value her balanced approach to regulation. She has consistently represented blockchain firms in their legal battles with the SEC, often advocating for a more measured, clear regulatory framework for digital assets. 

In contrast to the more aggressive regulatory posture under Gensler, Trump’s team seems eager to find a leader who would provide much-needed clarity to crypto companies. The expectation is that the new SEC chair will take a restrained approach to applying securities laws to digital assets, allowing the industry to develop without overbearing regulations. 

A Competitive Field of Candidates

Goody Guillén is not the only candidate vying for the SEC chair position. Others being considered include Robert Stebbins, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; Robinhood Chief Legal Officer, Dan Gallagher; Brad Bondi, a partner at Paul Hastings; former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins; and Brian Brooks, the former Acting Comptroller of the Currency. Crypto industry insiders have expressed strong support for Goody Guillén, with some calling her the best candidate to lead the SEC in this new era of cryptocurrency regulation.

Brendan Playford, co-founder of Masa, a decentralized data provider for AI companies, described Goody Guillén as someone who could “dramatically transform the industry.” He believes that her understanding of both the SEC’s processes and the needs of the crypto industry makes her the ideal candidate to lead the agency at this pivotal time.

Howard Lutnick: A New Face for the Commerce Department

While the SEC is a critical focus for the crypto community, Trump’s other appointments are also drawing attention. One notable pick is Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, who has been recently nominated to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Commerce. 

Lutnick, a major fundraiser for Trump’s 2020 and 2024 campaigns, has long been a supporter of the former president’s policies. His selection as commerce secretary signals Trump’s intent to build a business-friendly administration with an eye on strengthening economic ties, including those with the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors.

Lutnick, who had been considered for Treasury Secretary, has significant backing from figures like Elon Musk, who endorsed him for the role. However, it appears Lutnick will focus on commerce rather than finance.