Former Blockchain Executive Joins SEC as Director of Trading and Markets
By Turner Wright
Published: June 13, 2025
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced notable new appointments within its ranks, including Jamie Selway, who will serve as the agency’s Director of Trading and Markets. This move comes as the SEC strengthens its expertise in the rapidly evolving fields of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
New Leadership at the SEC
Selway brings significant experience to the SEC from his previous role as the global head of institutional markets at Blockchain.com, where he worked from 2018 to 2019. His extensive background in the digital asset space is expected to provide valuable insights as the agency navigates the complexities of regulating this burgeoning sector.
In addition to Selway, the SEC has hired Brian Daly, a partner at the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP. Daly has a solid foundation in investment management and has expressed a commitment to regulatory oversight. “I’ve long respected and appreciated the SEC’s commitment to regulatory oversight while advising clients on compliance and providing public comment from the investment management point of view during agency rulemaking,” Daly stated.
Legislative Considerations and Industry Implications
The SEC’s staffing changes arrive at a pivotal moment as U.S. lawmakers deliberate on laws clarifying the authority that the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) hold over digital assets. The forthcoming CLARITY Act, pending a vote in the House of Representatives, aims to provide regulatory clarity amidst increasing scrutiny of the crypto market.
This backdrop of pending legislation aligns with the SEC’s recent decision to withdraw certain proposed rules related to cryptocurrency that were originally issued between March 2022 and November 2023. These rules were considered significant as they had the potential to redefine the SEC’s definition of “exchange” to include decentralized finance protocols, in addition to imposing stricter requirements for the custody of cryptocurrencies.
Addressing Staffing Shortages
Despite these strategic appointments, the SEC continues to face staffing challenges. Currently, the agency has one vacant position, even after the Senate confirmed Paul Atkins as Chair in April. Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, whose term expired in June 2024, is anticipated to remain until 2026, as commissioners can serve up to 18 months beyond their official terms.
Similarly, the CFTC is experiencing a leadership void with three vacant roles following the departures of former Chair Rostin Behnam and Commissioners Christy Goldsmith Romero and Summer Mersinger. As discussions continue in the Senate regarding President Trump’s nomination of former Commissioner Brian Quintenz to lead the CFTC, the agency’s capability to uphold regulatory responsibilities remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead
The SEC’s recent staffing initiatives reflect a concerted effort to enhance regulatory oversight in the dynamic landscape of digital assets. As the agency prepares to address the complexities of the market, industry stakeholders and lawmakers alike are watching closely to see how these developments will shape the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.
For more information on ongoing developments in the regulatory environment, stay tuned for updates.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the SEC’s recent developments without speculating on future outcomes, ensuring that readers are well-informed about changes in regulatory leadership and the broader implications for the cryptocurrency industry.
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