Pierce responds to speculation about becoming the next SEC chairman and says I'm not your mom

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce has expressed mixed feelings about her nickname, “crypto mom.” Known for her firm support of digital assets and criticism of over-regulation, Peirce has earned this moniker but finds the term “mom” somewhat uncomfortable. She believes the use of cryptocurrency should be an individual choice and advocates for a more agile SEC regarding innovation.

Hester Pierce: I'm Not Your Mother

In an interview with DL News, Peirce commented on her nickname, saying, “I think it’s funny, but at the same time, I do take a little bit of an issue with the term ‘mom’.” She clarified, “I’m not your mom,” highlighting her discomfort with the term despite its amusing nature.

Impact of the Presidential Election

Peirce also discussed the potential impact of the upcoming presidential election on the SEC’s hierarchy. Known for her pro-innovation stance, there is speculation that she might replace the current chairman, Gary Gensler, whose term runs until 2026 but who may step down early if there is a change in administration.

Speculations About Becoming the Next SEC Chair

Peirce addressed the speculation about her becoming the next SEC chair, particularly if Donald Trump wins the presidential election. As one of the two Republican commissioners at the SEC, Peirce is seen as a potential candidate appealing to the crypto industry, which has often clashed with Gensler’s regulatory approach. However, Peirce refrained from making predictions, stating, “If the president changes, typically the chairman of the SEC will also change in response to that.” She emphasized that the president has broad discretion in choosing the next chair, noting, “It could really be anyone – the president has wide latitude.”

Leadership Change at a Critical Time for Crypto Regulation

A potential leadership change at the SEC comes at a crucial time for cryptocurrency regulation. The House of Representatives recently passed the FIT21 Act, which creates a market structure for crypto and gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) more power over spot crypto markets. This legislation could significantly impact the regulatory landscape for digital assets, making the upcoming election and possible SEC leadership changes particularly consequential for the industry.