SEC Scrutinizes Robinhood as Trump Eyes Dan Gallagher for Top Role

• Dan Gallagher, Robinhood’s Chief Legal Officer, is a leading candidate for SEC Chair if Donald Trump wins a second term.
• The SEC is investigating Robinhood’s crypto business, which could impact Gallagher’s chances of leading the agency.
• Gallagher’s role at Robinhood and the GameStop controversy may complicate his confirmation as SEC Chair under a potential Trump administration.

Reports suggest that Dan Gallagher, Robinhood’s Chief Legal Officer and a former SEC commissioner, may emerge as a strong candidate to lead the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) if Donald Trump were to reclaim Presidency.

Gallagher’s potential nomination comes as the SEC considers a possible lawsuit against Robinhood over its cryptocurrency activities, raising questions about how this might affect his candidacy.

Gallagher, known for his legal expertise and political acumen, has been identified by insiders as a likely choice for the SEC’s top role in a possible second Trump administration. According to former officials and legal experts, his extensive experience and prior role at the SEC make him a natural fit. However, his connection to Robinhood could complicate his path to leadership, as the SEC considers charging the company over its crypto-related business.

SEC Scrutiny of Robinhood’s Crypto Business

The SEC is reportedly investigating whether Robinhood has been operating as an unregistered broker-dealer and clearing agency in the crypto space. The case, if pursued, would mark another effort by current SEC Chair Gary Gensler to regulate the growing cryptocurrency sector.

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Robinhood, which offers a limited number of digital tokens, differs from other platforms that provide a wider array of crypto products. Gallagher stated that Robinhood has prioritized compliance, opting to limit its cryptocurrency offerings, avoiding revenue from products like crypto lending.

Gallagher described the SEC’s potential lawsuit as weak, noting that Robinhood’s careful approach to crypto sets it apart from other platforms. He suggested that pursuing Robinhood could be a mistake. The SEC has not yet commented on the ongoing investigation.

Gallagher’s SEC Experience and Challenges

During Gallagher’s tenure at the SEC under the Obama administration, he frequently criticized regulations introduced after the 2008 financial crisis. He was an early proponent of reviewing U.S. stock market trading regulations and voiced concerns about the SEC’s internal court system. His record has earned him respect within Republican circles, with some viewing his potential appointment as an extension of Trump’s deregulatory policies.

However, Gallagher’s ties to Robinhood could complicate his confirmation process. Robinhood came under heavy scrutiny from lawmakers after the 2021 GameStop trading fiasco, when the platform restricted users from buying more shares during a market frenzy. Although Robinhood has since improved its risk management, its actions during the GameStop incident remain controversial on Capitol Hill.

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It remains unclear whether Gallagher would accept the position of SEC Chair. While he acknowledged the honor of being considered, he expressed that he remains committed to his current role at Robinhood. Gallagher believes that his experience in both the public and private sectors provides valuable insights for leadership.

Should Trump nominate Gallagher, his confirmation could face resistance from Democrats and progressive lawmakers, who typically oppose industry insiders leading regulatory agencies. As the legal situation with Robinhood’s crypto business potentially escalates, Gallagher’s SEC candidacy may draw even more scrutiny.