SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce is leaving the agency on October 2 to join Regent University School of Law as an associate professor in November 2026. Widely known as Crypto Mom, Peirce served on the commission since January 2018 and led its Crypto Task Force from January 2025. Her departure leaves Chairman Paul Atkins and Commissioner Mark Uyeda as the SEC’s only sitting commissioners, with two Democratic seats vacant and no successor announced. Peirce frequently criticized the SEC’s enforcement-first approach to digital assets under former Chair Gary Gensler, arguing that emerging markets need clear rules rather than enforcement actions to establish legal standards. Her resignation comes as the agency publishes token-classification FAQs and advances proposed Regulation Crypto Assets. Peirce’s second term expired on June 5, 2025, but SEC rules allow her to remain for about 18 months when no replacement has been confirmed. The resignation letter was dated September 21, while the announcement was reported on September 25.