Currently, Dan Gallagher, the Chief Legal Officer at Robinhood, is the frontrunner to replace Gensler. Gallagher has substantial experience in the regulatory arena, having served as an SEC commissioner from 2011 to 2015. Following his tenure at the SEC, he joined Mylan as its chief legal officer before moving to Robinhood in 2020. His pro-crypto stance has made him a popular figure among cryptocurrency advocates who see his potential leadership as a step toward friendlier regulation.
Other names under consideration include former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, but Gallagher has reportedly garnered significant support due to his favorable view on digital assets, positioning him as a prime candidate in the eyes of crypto leaders.
Gensler, initially perceived as a crypto-friendly leader due to his blockchain course at MIT, has become a controversial figure. His tenure saw the SEC pursue legal action against multiple crypto firms, including Coinbase, leading some industry leaders to label him as an impediment to innovation. However, Gensler maintains that crypto companies must adhere to existing securities laws to protect consumers.
With Gensler expected to step down by January 20, the crypto community is closely watching the SEC for potential regulatory shifts under new leadership.