Trump Considers Crypto Lawyer Teresa Goody Guillén To Lead SEC

Goody Guillén’s extensive experience includes serving as an attorney in the SEC’s Office of the General Counsel from 2009 to 2011 and later advising clients on SEC enforcement matters alongside former SEC Chair Harvey Pitt.

Teresa Goody Guillén, Source: BakerHostetler

The Trump transition team is seeking a pro-business, non-bureaucratic leader to overhaul the SEC, aiming to move away from the “regulation by enforcement” approach that characterized Gary Gensler’s tenure. Goody Guillén’s background in both traditional securities law and blockchain technology positions her as a strong candidate to lead such a transformation.

Industry professionals have expressed support for Goody Guillén’s potential appointment. Brendan Playford, co-founder of Masa, a decentralized data provider, stated that she “would make immediate changes to the SEC” and described her as “very pro-crypto.” Charley Cooper, senior advisor at digital asset solutions provider R3, noted that Goody Guillén “would govern based on substantive understanding of securities laws as they apply to the traditional markets, as well as to crypto.”

The selection process for the new SEC chair is reportedly moving swiftly, with an announcement expected before Thanksgiving. Other candidates under consideration include Robert Stebbins, a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP; Brad Bondi, a partner at Paul Hastings; former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins; Dan Gallagher, Chief Legal Officer at Robinhood; and former Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian Brooks.

This rapid and organized approach to cabinet appointments marks a departure from Trump’s first term. Notable selections include Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary, U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary.

The crypto industry has been actively engaging with the Trump transition team, advocating for leadership that understands digital assets and favors a regulatory environment conducive to innovation. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong reportedly met privately with Trump to discuss personnel appointments, reflecting the industry’s significant investment in the political process.

As the selection process unfolds, the appointment of the next SEC chair will be closely watched by both traditional financial markets and the burgeoning crypto industry, given the potential for significant shifts in regulatory policy.