The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today announced four senior appointments as it enters a new era under the leadership of Chairman Paul Atkins. Two of these appointments are experienced in digital assets, a move seen as a strong signal that the SEC is taking a friendlier approach to cryptocurrencies. As of June 17, Jamie Selway will assume the role of Director of the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets. On July 8, Brian T. Daly will begin as Director of the Division of Investment Management. Selway most recently worked as a partner at Sophron Advisors, where he advised on capital markets. He has previously advised a number of financial technology companies and served as global head of institutional markets at the Blockchain firm from 2018 to 2019. “Chairman Atkins is ushering in a ‘new day’ at the SEC. I thank him for entrusting me with the leadership of the Trading and Markets division during this exciting and critical time. We will support the SEC’s mission and drive innovation for the benefit of our investors,” Selway said in a statement. Daly joins the SEC from the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where he was a partner in the investment management practice and is known for his expertise in cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and traditional financial services. His resume also includes experience in areas such as hedge funds and credit funds. Daly previously spoke to the Financial Times about the withdrawal of SAB 121 guidance implemented by the Biden administration, which required digital assets to be shown as liabilities on banks’ balance sheets. Daly said that this practice “makes it impossible for responsible banks, brokerages and financial intermediaries to provide crypto custody services,” adding that custody services are essential for financial institutions to provide crypto services. *This is not investment advice.