SEC crypto commissioner Peirce to leave Oct. 2
Hester Peirce, known as Crypto Mom, resigns from the SEC to join Regent University as associate professor.
The short answer
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce submitted her resignation effective October 2 after eight years at the agency. She plans to join Regent University School of Law as an associate professor in November. Her departure leaves only two Republican commissioners at the SEC, with Democratic seats remaining vacant.
What happened
Hester Peirce, known as Crypto Mom for her advocacy of clear crypto regulation, has resigned from the SEC effective October 2. She posted her resignation letter on social media Friday after serving on the commission for about eight years.
Peirce thanked the president for the honor of her tenure and noted her departure comes under the leadership of Chairman Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda, the two remaining members who are both Republicans. Her term at the SEC officially expired in June 2025, but commissioners may serve up to approximately 18 months after terms expire if not replaced.
Peirce will join Regent University School of Law in Virginia as an associate professor in November. The university said she will help expand its strength in federal litigation, securities regulation, financial markets, digital assets and public policy.
Why it matters
Peirce leaves the SEC as the agency undergoes significant change. Since Trump took office in January 2025, the SEC has shifted its approach to crypto regulation and enforcement, dropping several enforcement actions and investigations into crypto companies. Peirce had publicly clashed with prior SEC leadership over its use of enforcement actions to regulate crypto, arguing that using enforcement to tell people what the law is in an emerging industry is not an efficient or fair approach.
Her departure leaves the SEC with only Chairman Atkins and Commissioner Uyeda. The White House has not announced a substitute for Peirce, and the two commissioner seats that should be occupied by Democrats remain vacant. Previously, Caroline Crenshaw, the agency's Democratic commissioner, departed in January after 18 months beyond her term with no nomination made to fill that vacancy.
Background
Since February 4, 2025, Peirce served as director of the SEC's Crypto Task Force, which examines how existing securities laws should apply to digital assets and decentralized systems. She has advocated for protecting open-source software developers from federal securities regulations and has pushed for rules-based crypto regulation rather than enforcement-driven oversight.
Questions readers ask
Who is Hester Peirce and why is she called Crypto Mom?
Hester Peirce earned the nickname Crypto Mom for her consistent advocacy of clear, rules-based regulation of the crypto industry rather than enforcement-driven oversight.
What will the SEC look like after Peirce leaves?
The SEC will have only two commissioners remaining: Chairman Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda, both Republicans. Two Democratic commissioner seats remain vacant with no announced nominations to fill them.
How long did Peirce serve at the SEC?
Peirce served on the SEC for about eight years after her appointment by President Trump in 2018, with her term officially expiring in June 2025.
What will Peirce do after leaving the SEC?
Peirce will join Regent University School of Law in Virginia as an associate professor beginning in November, focusing on federal litigation, securities regulation, financial markets and digital assets.