New Leadership Signals Shift Toward Crypto Innovation
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a major leadership overhaul on Friday, bringing in senior officials with notable experience in digital assets, marking a clear shift toward a friendlier regulatory stance on crypto under new Chairman Paul Atkins.
Effective June 17, Jamie Selway will become Director of the Division of Trading and Markets, while Brian T. Daly will take over as Director of the Division of Investment Management on July 8.
Both appointments reflect the SEC’s evolving posture toward digital assets and financial innovation.
Jamie Selway Brings Institutional Crypto Experience
Selway, formerly a partner at Sophron Advisors, has advised clients on capital markets and fintech issues. He also served briefly as Global Head of Institutional Markets at Blockchain, giving him direct experience with crypto market infrastructure.
“Together, we will promote the SEC’s mission and enable innovation,” Selway stated, reflecting confidence in Chairman Atkins’ vision for the agency.
His leadership is expected to streamline regulatory frameworks for digital asset markets, while encouraging healthy market participation.
Brian Daly Appointed to Oversee Investment Management
Brian Daly joins from a top-tier law firm, where he specialized in digital assets, crypto custody, and blockchain regulations. His insights into crypto custody rules are especially critical, following the recent reversal of the controversial SAB 121 guidance, which previously forced banks to treat digital asset custody as balance sheet liabilities.
Daly has emphasized that sound custody frameworks are fundamental for responsible crypto adoption by traditional financial institutions.
His appointment suggests the SEC is moving toward practical and collaborative rulemaking—a key concern for fund managers and advisers entering the digital asset space.
Broader Agency Changes Support Atkins’ Pro-Innovation Agenda
In addition to Selway and Daly, Erik Hotmire returns as Chief External Affairs Officer, and Kurt Hohl has been named Chief Accountant.
Chairman Paul Atkins, sworn in on April 22, has consistently promised a more transparent and innovation-friendly SEC approach.
Earlier this year, the SEC hosted its first crypto-focused task force roundtable, where concerns were raised about the previous administration’s regulatory failures in promoting investor protection, capital formation, and market efficiency.
Summary:
The SEC’s new appointments of crypto-savvy leaders mark a pivotal step toward balanced digital asset regulation. With Jamie Selway and Brian Daly onboard, the agency appears ready to embrace innovation while maintaining investor safeguards.