Hester Peirce | Directory of Individuals

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Hester Peirce: Sworn in as SEC Commissioner

On January 11, 2018, Hester Peirce was sworn in as Commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an appointment made by former President Donald Trump. Peirce has been dubbed the “Crypto Mom” for her outspoken support of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Background and Expertise

Before taking on her role as SEC Commissioner, Peirce gained valuable experience in financial market regulation as a researcher at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Her work focused on financial market regulation and the regulation of financial technology.

Peirce has also served as senior counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she worked on financial regulatory reform and other issues.

Crypto Mom

Peirce’s support for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has earned her the nickname “Crypto Mom” within the industry. She has been a vocal advocate for regulatory clarity around digital assets, and has often expressed the need for the SEC to provide more guidance to the industry.

In a speech at the Cato Institute’s FinTech Unbound conference in 2018, Peirce outlined her vision for the SEC’s approach to regulating digital assets. She emphasized the importance of taking a balanced approach to regulation, one that fosters innovation while still protecting investors.

Peirce has also been critical of the SEC’s approach to regulating initial coin offerings (ICOs). She has argued that the SEC’s strict stance on ICOs could stifle innovation and push entrepreneurs to launch their projects overseas.

Future Outlook

As an SEC Commissioner, Peirce will continue to play a key role in shaping the regulatory landscape for digital assets in the United States. Her pro-cryptocurrency stance has made her a prominent figure in the industry, and her influence is likely to grow as digital assets become an increasingly important part of the financial system.

With Peirce in a position of power at the SEC, the industry can expect a more nuanced and balanced approach to regulation, one that takes into account the potential benefits of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology while still addressing the risks.