Teresa Goody Guillén, a former SEC attorney and blockchain expert, is reportedly one of the top candidates to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under President-elect Donald Trump.
As a partner at law firm BakerHostetler, she co-leads its blockchain practice and has earned support from the crypto industry for her deep understanding of both securities laws and digital assets.
Goody Guillén’s experience includes working at the SEC’s Office of the General Counsel from 2009 to 2011, during which she gained extensive knowledge of the agency’s operations. Afterward, she advised clients on SEC enforcement cases, building a reputation for her expertise in navigating complex legal issues.
Crypto professionals believe she would be a game-changer for the SEC. Brendan Playford, co-founder of decentralized data provider Masa, called Goody Guillén the “best candidate” to lead the agency. He emphasized her clear understanding of SEC processes and her strong stance on crypto-friendly regulations.
Her leadership could bring significant change to the SEC, especially in relation to cryptocurrency regulations. Sources suggest that Trump’s team is looking for someone who understands the crypto industry and aims to scale back aggressive enforcement actions, focusing on clearer legislation instead.
Peers praise Goody Guillén for her tough, no-nonsense approach. Charley Cooper, a senior advisor at digital asset solutions provider R3, described her as “tough as hell,” with a strong ability to balance traditional financial markets with the evolving crypto space.
With Trump expected to announce the new SEC chair before Thanksgiving, Goody Guillén’s candidacy is gaining momentum. If selected, she could play a key role in shaping the future of crypto regulations in the U.S. and drive growth in both traditional and digital markets.
