Gary Gensler, the chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced he will step down on January 20, coinciding with the incoming Trump administration. Gensler, who has been at the forefront of the U.S. crackdown on cryptocurrencies, faced significant criticism during his tenure, particularly from the crypto industry. As he prepares to exit, speculation is rising about who will succeed him, with potential candidates leaning toward pro-crypto perspectives. Meanwhile, the crypto market is reacting, with Bitcoin nearing record highs as Gensler’s resignation raises questions about the future of regulatory policies affecting digital currencies.