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Richard Farley Is Top US SEC Chair Candidate For Donald Trump: Report

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Richard Farley, a Wall Street lawyer known for his work in leveraged finance, is reportedly under consideration to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the upcoming Trump administration.

Farley, a partner at the New York law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, has experience representing major financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, and UBS, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Richard Farley’s Background and Connections 

Richard Farley has earned his place in Wall Street mainly due to his expertise and experience in financing related activities especially those involving banks and other financial institutions. He is also the co-head of the Kramer Levin’s Leveraged Finance Group where he has advised on a number of matters relating to private credit firms.

In 2017 Farley acted for Cantor Fitzgerald in a share sale of Sorrento Therapeutics. Cantor’s CEO, Howard Lutnick is a key member of Trump’s transition team for personnel and can therefore help Farley’s chances of being appointed as chairperson of SEC.

Not only does Richard Farley have a successful career, he also has personal relationships within the Republican party. His wife, Chivacci “Chele” Farley has been the GOP finance chairman for New York City and has also vied for political office as a republican. Farley, who used to be enrolled in the Democratic Party, has apparently endorsed GOP in recent years. He is also a longtime friend of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Trump supporter who recently announced his interest in serving in the new administration’s cabinet.

Donald Trump’s Priorities for the US SEC Under New Leadership

The current US SEC Chair Gary Gensler is apparently among the officials that the Trump team wants to get rid of. Gensler, who has come under fire from some in the financial industry, has one and a half years remaining in his term, which is currently scheduled to conclude in June 2026. 

However, Trump’s team has already signalled that they intend to appoint a new chair at the beginning of the new administration. Chris Iacovella, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Securities Association, has announced that Gensler’s exit from the Securities and Exchange Commission would improve the confidence in the same organization among the retirees, small business persons, and the working class.

The Trump team has apparently considered reshaping the SEC to return to its core mission that is consumer protection. This will be a change from Gensler’s style, which has been criticized by some as aggressive, particularly with regard to virtual currency regulation.

Farley’s Views and Possible Direction on Cryptocurrency

Richard Farley has not publicly commented on his views regarding cryptocurrency regulation, but the Trump transition team has indicated a preference for an SEC chair who is “pro-crypto.”

Republican SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda, who could serve as acting chair until a permanent replacement is appointed, has expressed the need to end what he described as the SEC’s “war on crypto.” Uyeda suggested that enforcement actions against firms solely for failing to register, without allegations of fraud, should be paused until clearer regulatory guidelines are established.

Uyeda stated that “the Commission’s war on crypto must end,” adding that the next SEC chair under Trump would likely prioritize creating a more defined regulatory framework for digital assets.

Alongside Richard Farley, other names being considered for the US SEC chair position include Dan Gallagher, Robinhood’s Chief Legal Officer and a former SEC commissioner; Chris Giancarlo, former chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and known as “CryptoDad” for his favorable stance on digital assets; and current SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce. 

Gallagher’s candidacy has been supported by some in the crypto community, who view him as favorable to the industry’s growth and regulatory clarity.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Coinbase CEO Slams DOJ For Alleged Political Polymarket Probe

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Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has criticized the Department of Justice (DOJ) for its recent investigation into Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction market platform. Armstrong expressed frustration on social media, suggesting that the DOJ’s actions are politically motivated and could inadvertently strengthen Polymarket’s influence. 

The ongoing probe, which involved a search of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan’s devices, has sparked widespread debate in the cryptocurrency and technology sectors.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Criticizes DOJ

In a post on X (formely Twitter), the Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, has given his two cents on the Polymarket probe. Amid an FBI raid, Polymarket is said to have violated the terms of its earlier settlements with U.S. regulators by permitting U.S.-based users to place bets, the DOJ probe of the platform suggests. 

A 2022 consent order with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) limited Polymarket’s access to US-based traders and the company paid a $1.4 million penalty. But latest findings suggest that US users might still be using the platform hence raising compliance issues.

The probe has picked up pace after a surge in election-related trades on Polymarket particularly those in favour of Donald Trump’s re-election. Critics, however, despite the Coinbase CEO comments, have expressed fears that such big bets can manipulate the general opinion. 

Polymarket has however said it takes steps to ensure that its services are not used by those based in the United States, but the DoJ’s investigation indicates that the company remains concerned about potential violations.

Polymarket Denies Political Motivations, Defends Its Operations

In reaction to the DOJ’s actions, Polymarket has come forward to explain that its platform is a tool that aids people in gaining information about the world, including elections. 

The company called the DOJ’s actions politically motivated and said that the company would fight for “itself and its community.” Polymarket’s CEO Shayne Coplan commented on the matter stating that it was a disappointing “last-ditch effort” by the current administration to go after companies they feel are linked to political opponents.

He highlighted that Polymarket does not take sides, saying that regulators should instead concentrate on creating a favorable climate for business and startups.

“Polymarket has helped hundreds of millions of people during this election cycle and has not hurt anyone,” Coplan said in a tweet.

The management of Polymarket also emphasized the openness of the platform and the unwillingingness to violate current legislation. Since the CFTC settlement, the company has put in place further measures to check the location of users and to limit the access of suspected US participants.

French Regulators Also Scrutinize Operations

However, there are more regulatory concerns for Polymarket than just the US ones. In France, the country’s gambling regulator, the ANJ, is reportedly mulling over the possibilities of banning Polymarket due to unlicensed gambling services. The French authorities have taken notice of the company after recording a surge in the number of bets placed during the US presidential election.

In particular, the response of Coinbase CEO, to the DOJ investigation has been popular among the cryptocurrency community who consider the probe as a threat to free speech. 

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko also came out in support of Polymarket, saying that data markets are a form of “political speech” covered by the First Amendment. This view is supported by a number of crypto industry executives who claim that banning platforms like Polymarket hampers people’s ability to discuss political events.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Pro Crypto Matt Gaetz Nominated As Donald Trump’s Attorney General

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Pro-crypto Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has been nominated by US President Donald Trump to serve as the Attorney General of the United States. Gaetz, a Republican representative known for his strong stance on justice reform and cryptocurrency advocacy, has garnered attention in recent years for his outspoken views on federal oversight and digital currency policies. 

Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz underscores his commitment to reshaping the Department of Justice (DOJ) and pushing back against what he calls “weaponized government.”

Matt Gaetz Nominated As Donald Trump’s Attorney General

In a statement, US President Donald Trump described Gaetz as a deeply gifted and tenacious attorney who has dedicated his efforts in Congress to the reform of the Department of Justice. Gaetz has been outspoken in his efforts to reduce what he perceives to be political motivations within the Justice Department and has accused the Biden administration of weaponizing the justice system. 

If confirmed, Gaetz will focus on rebuilding the reputation of the DOJ and restoring its credibility by ensuring the department is more transparent and acts within the law.

President Trump noted that Florida Congressman, Gaetz has been focusing on justice issues while serving in the House Judiciary Committee and overseeing the DOJ. Trump called Gaetz a champion for the Constitution who will ensure the rule of law while working to introduce the changes that are needed.

Advocacy for Cryptocurrency and Blockchain in Government

In addition to his stance on DOJ reform, Matt Gaetz has recently emerged as an advocate for cryptocurrency, proposing legislation to allow federal income taxes to be paid with Bitcoin. His bill was submitted in June and seeks to modify the Internal Revenue Code to allow the U.S. Treasury to accept Bitcoin as a form of tax payment. 

In Gaetz’s opinion, this could ‘lead to more innovation, better efficiencies, and provide more options for Americans.’

The bill would mandate the Treasury secretary to come up with rules for the processing of Bitcoin payments for specific federal taxes. The law outlines that any Bitcoin received would be converted into US dollar as soon as the payment is made. 

His actions are in line with recent trends promoted by Trump to encourage the use of cryptocurrencies and reduce the level of restrictions on the activities of crypto companies.

Trump’s Pro-Crypto Agenda Gains Momentum

Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz nomination is part of a wider trend within Trump’s insider circle of supporting cryptocurrency within the United States. Trump has earlier vowed to put an end to Biden’s war on crypto and make cryptocurrencies an essential part of the US economy. To this end, Trump has proposed filling key posts in his administration with crypto supporters, as well as working on the creation of conditions under which the crypto business will be more comfortable.

More pro-crypto figures are said to be under consideration for positions in Trump’s transition team including Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald as a potential treasury secretary. Crypto advocates see these appointments as an opportunity to end regulatory crackdowns on the industry and establish the U.S. as a global leader in digital finance.

Concurrently, Donald Trump has created a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to be led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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Former SEC Official Asks Gary Gensler To Resign, Here’s Why

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Gary Gensler, the current Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has recently come under renewed scrutiny. Former SEC official John Reed Stark publicly suggested that Gensler should step down to allow for a new direction regarding cryptocurrency regulation. Stark’s comments follow Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential election victory, with some analysts speculating that a leadership change may soon take place.

Ex-SEC Official John Reed Stark Calls for Gensler’s Resignation

John Reed Stark, who formerly served with the SEC, has urged Chair Gary Gensler to resign. The former SEC official emphasized the need to halt ongoing crypto-related investigations and policy initiatives. Stark proposed that SEC staff compile a comprehensive list of all active cryptocurrency cases to ease the transition for any incoming chair. 

This recommendation aligns with a perceived shift in public sentiment regarding regulatory practices, John Reed Stark added, 

“Like it or not, the people have spoken and their will must be respected.”

Stark’s statement comes amid heightened debate over the SEC’s stance on digital assets. Over the past few years, the agency has implemented stringent measures on various cryptocurrency entities and has frequently engaged in litigation to enforce compliance. Stark’s call reflects a growing sentiment among industry stakeholders who seek a balanced regulation approach under new leadership.

Will Gary Gensler Resign This Week? Who’s Next Chair?

In light of the recent concerns, XRP attorney James Murphy has also predicted that Gary Gensler may step down soon. Murphy pointed out a historical pattern where SEC chairs often resign following a new presidential administration. For instance, Mary Jo White’s departure in 2016 after Trump’s first election and Jay Clayton’s exit in 2020 after Biden’s win. 

Murphy’s observations suggest that Gary Gensler may follow suit as the new administration begins.

Richard Farley, a Wall Street lawyer with extensive experience in finance, has emerged as a potential candidate for SEC Chair under the incoming administration. Farley is known for his work with financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and UBS. More so, his legal expertise aligns with a potential shift towards a more crypto-friendly SEC. Farley’s appointment would signal a policy shift, with a likely emphasis on fostering balanced approach to crypto regulation.

This potential appointment underscores Trump’s intention to take a different approach to digital assets. 

In addition, as Trump assembles his new administration, insiders reveal that the President-elect is inclined to let Jerome Powell complete his term as Federal Reserve Chair, which runs until May 2026. Although Trump has previously criticized Powell, his decision to retain Powell would ensure continuity in monetary policy. 

In recent reports, another pro-crypto figure, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, Howard Lutnick,  is considered a leading candidate for the role of U.S. Treasury Secretary under President-elect Donald Trump. Known for his support of Tether, Lutnick is actively lobbying for the position, intensifying speculation about Trump’s pro-Bitcoin administration.

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Ronny Mugendi is a seasoned crypto journalist with four years of professional experience, having contributed significantly to various media outlets on cryptocurrency trends and technologies. With over 4000 published articles across various media outlets, he aims to inform, educate and introduce more people to the Blockchain and DeFi world. Outside of his journalism career, Ronny enjoys the thrill of bike riding, exploring new trails and landscapes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





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