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Richard Farley, known for his expertise in investment financing, is being considered for the role of chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Trump administration. A partner at the New York-based law firm Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, Farley has extensive experience representing major financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, and UBS.
Farley’s Background and Connections
Farley has established a solid reputation on Wall Street due to his expertise in financial activities and his relationships with banks and other financial institutions. He has served as co-chair of Kramer Levin’s Leveraged Finance Group and has consulted on numerous matters concerning private credit firms.
In 2017, Farley played a role in the stock sale of Sorrento Therapeutics for Cantor Fitzgerald. Since Cantor’s CEO Howard Lutnick is a significant member of Trump’s personnel transition team, this could increase Farley’s chances of being appointed SEC chair.
Trump’s Priorities for the SEC
Reports indicate that the Trump administration seeks to remove current SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose term ends in June 2026. However, the Trump team plans to appoint a new chair at the beginning of the new administration.
Chris Iacovella, CEO of the American Securities Association, stated that Gensler’s departure would boost trust among retirees, small businesses, and the working class. The Trump team aims to return the SEC’s core mission to consumer protection, contrasting sharply with Gensler’s aggressive approach to virtual currency regulations.
Farley’s Views on Cryptocurrency
Although Richard Farley has not publicly shared his views on cryptocurrency regulations, Trump’s transition team indicated a preference for a “pro-crypto” SEC chair. Republican SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda expressed that the SEC’s “war on crypto” should come to an end, suggesting that sanctions against firms for mere registration failures should be halted.
In addition to Farley, names like Dan Gallagher, Chris Giancarlo, and current SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce are also being considered as candidates for the SEC chair position. Some segments of the cryptocurrency community support Gallagher for his potential to foster industry growth and regulatory clarity.
Ultimately, Richard Farley’s extensive experience in the finance sector and his connections within the GOP increase his likelihood of being favored by the Trump administration. As the SEC is expected to adopt a more compatible approach to cryptocurrency regulations, Farley’s stance in this area is closely monitored.
