SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce will depart the agency in November 2026 to join Regent University School of Law as an associate professor. Peirce, who has been a prominent advocate for digital asset innovation, will teach courses on securities regulation, financial markets, digital assets, and public policy. Her departure marks a significant shift as she has been a key proponent of a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach within the SEC. Peirce, often referred to as "Crypto Mom," has served as an SEC commissioner since 2018 and led the SEC’s cryptocurrency task force since January 2025. Her exit comes amid ongoing changes in U.S. cryptocurrency regulation, potentially impacting the SEC's future policy direction. As Peirce steps down, the market anticipates shifts in digital asset regulation and enforcement standards, although court rulings will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the regulatory landscape.