Hester Peirce, the SEC commissioner widely called “Crypto Mom,” revealed during an appearance on The Rollup podcast that she will leave the commission in November to become an associate professor at Regent University School of Law. Appointed in January 2018 and confirmed for a second term in 2020, Peirce’s term expired on June 5, 2025. Though SEC rules allow commissioners to stay up to 18 months after term expiry, she chose to depart earlier.
Peirce Confirms Move to Regent Law
“I’m moving to the beach,” Peirce said on the podcast, adding that she looks forward to working with students. “I’m going to be teaching law school. So, I’m excited about working with the next generation.” Regent University announced in May that Peirce will teach securities regulation, financial markets, digital assets and public policy.
Crypto Task Force Faces Transition
Peirce has led the SEC’s Crypto Task Force since January 2025. The task force aims to clarify digital asset rules around token classification, disclosure, registration, and enforcement priorities, while also offering market participants a channel for input. After her departure, only Chair Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda will remain active, unless new nominees are confirmed before then. The SEC is designed to have five commissioners, with no more than three from the same party.
Peirce’s final priorities include shaping a crypto framework, easing rules for companies to go public earlier, and eliminating the trade-through rule. These items remain part of broader market-structure debates at the agency.
Innovation Exemption Still Pending
Peirce used the podcast to temper expectations about the so-called “innovation exemption” for digital assets. “First, the innovation exemption has not yet been released. So that’s one myth that should be dispelled,” she said. She also clarified that synthetic securities were not part of what officials had in mind. While earlier reports suggested the SEC might allow limited testing of blockchain products, Peirce stressed the exemption should not be viewed as blanket approval for all tokenized products.
Exit During Crypto Policy Reset
Peirce earned the “Crypto Mom” nickname for her consistent criticism of enforcement-heavy crypto oversight and her calls for clear rules. Under Atkins, the SEC has shifted toward new crypto policy work covering tokenization, custody, and market access. The question now is whether that work maintains its pace after Peirce leaves. For crypto firms, the timing matters because multiple rulemaking tracks remain open. Her departure does not stop the SEC’s crypto agenda, but it removes one of the most visible advocates inside the commission.