Gary Gensler Is Reportedly Biden’s Pick to Lead the S.E.C.

January 13, 2021
Business

Here’s what the next S.E.C. chief might focus on:

Requiring companies to disclose their political donations publicly, in a standardized way, an issue that Democrats were pushing even before it became the biggest business story of the day.
Rethinking the rules around stock buybacks, potentially by imposing preconditions or more disclosures. The new Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, feels strongly about this.
Ordering corporate disclosures about boardroom diversity, perhaps applying proposals like Nasdaq’s more broadly.
Mandating company disclosures for climate change risks.
Formulating clearer rules on cryptocurrencies and the blockchain, an issue that Mr. Gensler is uniquely qualified to address, having taught courses about digital money at M.I.T. the past few years.

What do you think the next S.E.C. chairman’s priorities should be? Let us know at dealbook@nytimes.com. Include your name and location, and we may feature your response in a future newsletter.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING

The House is set to vote on impeaching President Trump. After Vice President Mike Pence rejected a demand to invoke the 25th Amendment, House lawmakers will debate an article of impeachment this morning and could vote on it late today. Some Republicans support the move, including Representative Liz Cheney and, privately, the majority leader Mitch McConnell, according to people familiar with his thinking.

The Trump administration shifts its vaccine strategy. Officials instructed states to begin vaccinating all Americans 65 and older, as well as those with certain underlying medical conditions, to speed up immunization efforts. Some worry, however, that the move could sow confusion. In other coronavirus news, all travelers entering the U.S. will be required to provide evidence of negative tests.

Democrats forge ahead on additional stimulus. As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to unveil a pandemic relief plan on Thursday, Senator Chuck Schumer — who is set to become majority leader — said the Senate would prioritize legislation that would contain money for vaccine distribution and additional $1,400 checks for Americans.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/business/dealbook/gary-gensler-sec.html