SEC Brings in Crypto-Savvy Hires Amid Regulatory Shifts

The SEC has announced a wave of new staff appointments, including professionals with notable experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. The hires come as Congress weighs legislation to clarify digital asset regulation and as the regulator adjusts its stance on several previously proposed rules tied to crypto.

In a notice issued on Friday, the SEC confirmed the appointment of Jamie Selway as director of trading and markets. Selway, a veteran of traditional finance, also served as global head of institutional markets at Blockchain.com from 2018 to 2019. His dual expertise in finance and crypto signals the agency’s growing recognition of digital asset markets.

Joining him is Brian Daly, a former partner at law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, who will head the SEC’s investment management division. Daly has previously advised clients on digital asset compliance and contributed to public commentary during SEC rulemakings. 

“I’ve long respected and appreciated the SEC’s commitment to regulatory oversight,” Daly said in a statement.

Congress Considers CLARITY Act

The new appointments come as lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives prepare to vote on the CLARITY Act, a proposed bill aimed at defining the regulatory boundaries between the SEC and the CFTC regarding digital assets. The legislation could significantly shape the landscape for crypto oversight in the United States.

On Thursday, the SEC also announced it would be withdrawing certain proposed rulemakings issued between March 2022 and November 2023. 

This includes rules that would have expanded the definition of “exchange” to cover decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. The proposed rules also included tighter regulations for crypto custody practices.

Leadership Gaps Remain at SEC and CFTC

This withdrawal marks a notable retreat from the SEC’s previously aggressive approach to regulating digital assets, though analysts say the agency’s future direction could still shift depending on new leadership and legislative outcomes.

Despite the recent hires, the SEC continues to operate with one vacant commissioner seat, with no nomination yet from President Donald Trump. Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, whose term ended in June 2024, is expected to step down by 2026.

Meanwhile, the CFTC faces an even deeper leadership gap, with three commissioner seats currently vacant. Former CFTC commissioner Brian Quintenz has been nominated by Trump to serve as chair, though no additional nominations have been announced.