US Crypto Regulators Face Challenges After Commissioner Departures

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is facing a challenge after Commissioner Hester Peirce leaves her position on Friday, leaving the agency with only two commissioners. This marks the second time in US history that the SEC has operated with just two commissioners.

Peirce's departure comes about two months before the end of her second term extension and will leave Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda as the SEC's remaining commissioners. The agency is expected to have five seats, but President Donald Trump will be responsible for nominating replacements under federal law.

The situation is similar at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which has been operating with only one commissioner since December 2025. Chair Michael Selig welcomes new commissioners once they are nominated and confirmed by the Senate, but a White House official stated that Trump intends to nominate members to both agencies 'in the near future'.