SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Resigns, Effective October 2

By Khal · · 1 min read

Editorial illustration: A woman in glasses and a burgundy blazer carries a book through a doorway between a dark office with balance scales and a sunlit lecture hall. The U.S. Capitol is visible through the office window.
AI-generated editorial illustration · AI-generated editorial illustration · Published Sep 26, 2026, 9:34 a.m. (1 hour ago)

In brief

  • Hester Peirce formally resigned from the SEC, effective October 2, 2025
  • Peirce served eight years and led the SEC's Crypto Task Force since February
  • She will join Regent University's law school in Virginia as associate professor in November

A Voice for Crypto Clarity

Peirce posted a copy of her resignation letter on her X account Friday. In the letter, she thanked the president for the "honor of her professional lifetime" serving as a commissioner. She noted she was leaving the SEC under the leadership of Chairman Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda, the two remaining members, both Republicans.

Peirce's term officially expired in June 2025, but SEC commissioners may continue serving up to approximately 18 months after terms expire if they aren't replaced. Her early departure comes as she transitions to academia.

The Crypto Task Force and Regulatory Shift

Since February 4, 2025, Peirce was director of the SEC's Crypto Task Force, which has been examining how existing securities laws should apply to digital assets and decentralized systems. Under her leadership, the task force has explored questions around developer liability—Peirce has argued that publishing open-source code should not subject software developers to federal securities regulations.

Since Trump took office in January 2025, the SEC has radically changed its approach to crypto regulation and enforcement. The agency dropped several enforcement actions and investigations into crypto companies, including those tied to Trump and his family. Chairman Atkins has described the agency's new direction as moving away from "regulation by enforcement."

Next Steps

Peirce planned to join Regent University's law school in Virginia as an associate professor in November. Her departure leaves the SEC with only two commissioners. Caroline Crenshaw, the agency's previous Democratic commissioner, departed in January, 18 months after her term ended. No nominations to fill Crenshaw's seat have been made by President Trump, leaving the five-member commission understaffed as it navigates the crypto regulatory landscape.

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