SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, ‘Crypto Mom,’ to Resign on October 2

Hester Peirce resign — SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, a prominent advocate for clearer crypto regulation, will resign from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission effective October 2, 2026.

Peirce, known widely as “Crypto Mom,” posted a copy of her formal resignation letter on social media on Friday. She thanked the president for the honor of her service, which spanned approximately eight years on the commission. Since February 2025, she had also served as director of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force.

Her term officially expired in June 2025, but she remained in her post under rules allowing commissioners to serve for up to 18 months after their term ends if not replaced. Peirce is set to join Regent University’s law school in Virginia as an associate professor in November, where she is expected to focus on areas including securities regulation and digital assets.

Her departure leaves another vacancy on the five-member commission. Democratic Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw departed in January, and no nominations have been made to fill that seat. The SEC’s approach to crypto regulation and enforcement has shifted significantly since the change in presidential administration in 2025.