The US SEC announced on Friday that Jamie Selway and Brian Daly will join its senior staff, drawing on their experience in cryptocurrency and market regulation. Selway will serve as director of the Division of Trading and Markets.
He was formerly global head of institutional markets at Blockchain.com and has held leadership roles at electronic brokerages and fintech firms.
Daly, a partner at law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, will head the Investment Management Division. His background includes advising clients on crypto compliance and participating in agency rulemaking debates.
Experienced Hires Join SEC
Jamie Selway brings deep market know‑how to the SEC. He advised clients at Sophron Advisors on capital markets and sat on the boards of Protego Holdings and Skew.
Earlier, he co‑founded White Cap Trading, led electronic brokerage at Investment Technology Group, and worked in equity derivatives research at Goldman Sachs.
Selway holds a master’s degree in financial mathematics from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s in mathematics and European history from Washington & Lee University. His track record includes testifying before Congress and serving on industry committees.
Brian Daly has built a reputation in investment management and crypto law. As a partner at Akin Gump, he guided clients through complex regulatory frameworks and provided public comment on rule proposals.
He said he values the SEC’s oversight mission and looks forward to shaping policy from the inside. Daly’s appointment reflects the agency’s push to blend traditional finance expertise with emerging digital asset insights.
Broader Impact for US Regulation
These hires signal a stronger focus on crypto and market structure at the SEC. By adding leaders who understand blockchain technology and institutional trading, the agency aims to balance investor protection with support for innovation.
Selway’s background in electronic brokerage and crypto markets may help refine rules around digital asset trading. Daly’s experience could inform guidance on fund management and compliance for firms that blend fiat and crypto activities.
Observers expect these moves to encourage clearer regulation, reduce market friction, and foster US leadership in global digital finance.
Vacancies and Leadership
Despite these additions, the SEC still has an open seat. The US Senate confirmed Chair Paul Atkins in April, but no new nominees have emerged to fill the remaining commissioner slot.
Caroline Crenshaw’s term expires in June 2024, and while she can stay on for up to 18 months, her departure by 2026 will leave another gap. These vacancies mean the SEC must rely on its senior staff to advance its agenda during a pivotal time for securities and crypto oversight.
With veterans like Selway and Daly joining its ranks, the SEC is better equipped to tackle the challenges of a shifting financial landscape. Their combined expertise in markets, law, and blockchain should help the agency craft balanced policies that protect investors without stifling technological progress.
Also Read: SEC Deems DeFi Development Corp. Ineligible for Form S-3, Forcing Withdrawal of $1 Billion Offering