“Today marks the last day of Chairman Gensler's tenure at the Securities and Exchange Commission,” stated other Commission members. “Although we approached political issues from different perspectives as Commission members, there has always been dignity in our disagreements. Chairman Gensler was committed to bipartisan engagement and respectful dialogue, which helped facilitate our service to the American public. For this, we are deeply grateful to him.”
Gensler's resignation paves the way for Paul Atkins, Trump’s nominee for the position of Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, who will ultimately lead the agency. Atkins' appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.
“The Securities and Exchange Commission is a remarkable agency,” Gensler said in his statement in November when he announced his plans to resign. “It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve alongside it on behalf of everyday Americans and to ensure that our capital markets remain the best in the world.”
Gensler's term at the SEC is set to last until 2026, although leaders of federal agencies typically announce their resignations when a new administration takes office.
SEC Commissioner Jaime Lizarraga has also resigned, along with the agency's chief of staff, policy director, and chief economist.