SEC Appoints Jamie Selway as Director of Trading and Markets Division

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that Jamie Selway will join the agency as the Director of the Division of Trading and Markets, effective June 17, 2025. Selway, a seasoned financial markets expert with a strong background in blockchain technology, will oversee the regulation of broker-dealers, stock exchanges, and other market participants. His appointment signals a shift in the SEC's approach towards embracing innovative financial technologies while maintaining a focus on investor protection.

Selway brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Most recently, he served at Sophron Advisors, providing market strategy advice to clients. Prior to that, he held significant positions at Blockchain.com, a prominent cryptocurrency platform, and BATS Global Markets, a global stock exchange operator. His tenure as a managing director at Investment Technology Group further honed his skills in electronic brokerage. Selway's extensive background positions him well to address emerging issues in digital assets and market structure.

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins welcomed Selway's appointment, highlighting his broad experience across various asset classes and his ability to enhance the agency's markets. Selway expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing his commitment to promoting innovation while safeguarding investor interests. His expertise in blockchain technology is particularly relevant as the SEC seeks to provide regulatory clarity on digital assets, a priority following years of legal disputes with crypto firms.

The SEC has also appointed Brian T. Daly as the Director of the Division of Investment Management. Daly, a seasoned professional in securities law and crypto regulation, previously worked at a prominent law firm. These appointments reflect the agency's focus on modernizing oversight under the leadership of Atkins, who was confirmed by the Senate in April 2025. The SEC's strategic hires aim to balance innovation with investor protection, ensuring a transparent and efficient market.

Selway's educational background includes a Master of Science degree in financial mathematics from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and European history from Washington & Lee University. He has chaired industry groups and testified before congressional committees, further demonstrating his qualifications for the role. His past advisory work with fintech companies, such as Protego Holdings and AllofUs Financial, underscores his expertise at the intersection of traditional finance and new technologies.

Selway's appointment comes at a time when the SEC has reduced its staff numbers, leaving the Trading and Markets division with fewer personnel. His leadership aims to stabilize and strengthen the team, ensuring the development of policies that promote an efficient and transparent market. Selway's whistleblower action in 2010 at Investment Technology Group, where he reported the improper use of client data, highlights his commitment to ethical practices.

Selway's vision for the SEC includes fostering fair and orderly markets. His familiarity with blockchain technology makes him well-suited to address regulatory loopholes in digital assets. The SEC's adoption of a more crypto-friendly leadership is expected to boost market confidence and openness, particularly in the cryptocurrency sector, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Selway's role is poised to have a significant impact on the regulatory landscape, promoting innovation while ensuring robust investor protection.