Kevin Warsh leads the race for the U.S. Treasury Secretary with 56% odds on Polymarket, while Brian Brooks emerges as the frontrunner for SEC Chair with 33% chances on Kalshi. This race comes as President-elect Trump’s team evaluates candidates for key regulatory positions.
The Wall Street Journal reports Trump’s transition team is considering a strategic dual-role plan for Warsh, potentially positioning him as Treasury Secretary before a future Federal Reserve Chairman role when Jerome Powell’s term ends in 2026. Warsh and Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan met with Trump on Wednesday to discuss the position.
For the SEC leadership, following Gary Gensler’s announced departure, prediction markets show a tight race between Brian Brooks (33%) and pro-crypto Paul Atkins (32%). The appointment holds particular significance as it could change cryptocurrency regulation following Gensler’s strict oversight era.
Schwab Eyes Crypto as Gensler Departs, Trump Eases RulesIndustry leaders have voiced strong opinions about these potential appointments. Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty emphasizes the need for restored public trust in the SEC, while XRP lawyer John Deaton endorses Brad Bondi for the position. Notably, Bondi’s sister, former Florida AG Pam Bondi, is under consideration for Attorney General.
The transition team is also considering Scott Bessent to lead the White House National Economic Council. They also have potential plans for him to later succeed Warsh at Treasury. Despite Warsh’s early involvement in crypto firms, the community expresses caution about his candidacy, particularly given his recent support for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
The right choice of the next appointment will play a crucial role in implementing Trump’s promised crypto-friendly policies and shaping the regulatory landscape for digital assets in his second term. With Gensler’s departure marking the end of a strict regulatory period, the crypto industry anticipates these appointments could signal a new era of digital asset regulation in the United States.
