Gary Gensler steps down: Mark Uyeda takes over on an interim basis

2025-01-22

Gary Gensler's time in the crypto space is now over. The 67-year-old is turning his back on the SEC. He is succeeded by a crypto advocate.

The beginning of one thing is the end of another: Gary Gensler vacated his post as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission last night following Donald Trump's inauguration.
In a farewell statement, the commissioners thanked Gensler for his cooperation: "Thank you for your leadership, your zealous advocacy for our agency and investors, and your friendship."
The new head of the SEC will be Republican Commissioner Mark Uyeda. President Trump had made him interim chairman of the agency by executive order.

Watch CNBC's full interview with SEC Chair Gary Gensler

He is to lead the SEC until Gensler's actual successor Paul Atkins takes office.
According to media reports, Atkins will take over the reins of the SEC in June 2026.
As Reuters reports, Uyeda and Commissioner Peirce could jointly initiate a realignment of crypto policy within the agency.
Meanwhile, Gensler, who left office, recently caused a stir with his comments on Bitcoin. Just like gold, the cryptocurrency could "play a role in the future".