President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly eyeing Teresa Goody Guillén, a seasoned securities lawyer and blockchain advocate, as a potential chair for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Her appointment could mark a significant shift in the agency’s approach to regulating the crypto industry, aligning with Trump’s vision of a more business-friendly, innovation-driven SEC.
Who Is Teresa Goody Guillén?
Teresa Goody Guillén brings an impressive mix of regulatory and industry experience to the table. As a partner at the prestigious law firm BakerHostetler, she co-leads the firm’s blockchain team, focusing on advising digital asset companies on navigating complex regulatory challenges.
Her earlier tenure at the SEC, between 2009 and 2011, allowed her to gain valuable insights into the agency’s inner workings. During this time, she worked in the Office of the General Counsel under then-chair Mary Shapiro, who was the first woman to lead the SEC.
After leaving the SEC, Goody Guillén continued to hone her expertise in securities law as chief operating officer and managing director at Kalorama Partners. In this role, she collaborated with former SEC chair Harvey Pitt, advising clients on compliance and enforcement matters. This dual experience—inside the SEC and as a representative for blockchain firms—positions her as a unique bridge between traditional financial systems and emerging technologies.
Peers and industry leaders describe Goody Guillén as a pragmatic and results-oriented professional. Charley Cooper, senior advisor at digital asset firm R3, praised her as “tough as hell” and capable of steering the SEC with a balanced understanding of securities laws for both traditional markets and crypto.
Nicole Trudeau, general counsel for Wave Digital Assets, lauded her as a “trailblazer” with the vision to lead the SEC into a new era of regulatory clarity and innovation.
Why She Could Be the Perfect Candidate
Goody Guillén’s potential appointment aligns with Trump’s broader vision of reforming the SEC. The president-elect has expressed dissatisfaction with the agency’s approach under current chair Gary Gensler, particularly its reliance on enforcement actions against the crypto industry.
Trump has pledged to replace Gensler with someone who will adopt a more business-friendly and innovation-focused stance, which industry insiders believe Goody Guillén embodies.
Her extensive work with blockchain companies has given her deep insights into the unique challenges faced by the crypto industry. As a staunch advocate for light-touch regulation, Goody Guillén is seen as a candidate who could strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting investors.
Brendan Playford, co-founder of the decentralized data provider Masa, described her as an “instant change-maker” with the ability to transform the SEC’s relationship with crypto firms.
Goody Guillén also has the support of key players in the blockchain space, many of whom have been vocal about the need for clearer and more consistent regulation. Crypto industry leaders believe her appointment could help end the uncertainty surrounding how digital assets are classified and governed, paving the way for more growth and innovation in the sector.
In addition to her pro-crypto stance, Goody Guillén’s collaborative approach could help bridge the gap between traditional Wall Street institutions and the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem. Her ability to engage with both sides makes her a standout candidate among the others reportedly being considered, including Robert Stebbins of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Brad Bondi of Paul Hastings.
What’s Next?
While Goody Guillén’s appointment is not yet confirmed, her consideration marks a pivotal moment for the SEC and the broader crypto industry. With her unique expertise and industry backing, she could bring much-needed clarity to cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. Trump’s decision is expected before Thanksgiving, with the new SEC chair set to lead during a transformative period for digital assets and financial markets.
If selected, Goody Guillén could spearhead reforms that align with Trump’s vision of dismantling bureaucratic inefficiencies and ending the practice of “regulation by enforcement.” Her leadership could usher in a new era for the SEC, redefining its role in fostering innovation while maintaining robust investor protections.
For the crypto community, her appointment would represent a significant victory, offering hope for a regulatory framework that supports growth, clarity, and fairness.
