Nominated for Leadership Position: Former OCC Employee, Gould
In a significant move for the U.S. financial sector, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Jonathan Gould as the Comptroller of the Currency on July 10, 2025 [1][2][3][4]. Gould, who previously served in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) during the first Trump administration, is now set to lead the agency for a five-year term.
As the Comptroller, Gould will be responsible for supervising and regulating banks to ensure the safety and soundness of the federal banking system. He will oversee bank charters and advance regulatory policies aligned with innovation and tailored oversight [1][2][3]. Gould emphasizes supervision that aligns with each bank's size and business model and supports prudent risk-taking by banks [1].
Gould's extensive experience in banking regulation, coupled with his recent work in the private crypto sector, makes him a unique figure in the financial landscape. Prior to his current appointment, he served as the Chief Legal Officer at Bitfury Group Ltd., a blockchain technology company involved in crypto services [3][4]. During his previous tenure at the OCC, he led innovation initiatives, including modernising the banking chartering process and providing legal opinions on stablecoins and cryptocurrency custody [4].
Gould's leadership is expected to foster support for innovation within banks, including lawful emerging activities in crypto, in a manner that balances safety and soundness [1][3]. He has shown a commitment to creating a financial system that supports responsible innovation and consumer protection, as stated by Ian Moloney, senior vice president and head of policy and regulatory affairs at the American Fintech Council [4].
The Consumer Bankers Association CEO, Lindsey Johnson, has also expressed support for Gould's nomination, stating that he understands the complexities of the current financial landscape and the need for regulators to work productively with industry [4]. With Gould's confirmation, he is set to replace Rodney Hood as the Comptroller of the Currency.
The Senate Banking Committee has set a date for a nomination hearing for Jonathan Gould [4]. The OCC, under Gould's leadership, is poised to create a more consistent and transparent regulatory environment that benefits consumers and financial institutions alike. With Gould's extensive background in both traditional banking regulation and the crypto sector, he is well-positioned to guide the OCC in navigating the evolving landscape of financial technology.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, July 10). Senate confirms Gould as Comptroller of the Currency. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-a013086434a84885b775919e1c619c7c
[2] The Hill. (2025, July 10). Senate confirms Gould as Comptroller of the Currency. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4084361-senate-confirms-gould-as-comptroller-of-the-currency/
[3] CoinDesk. (2025, July 10). Former OCC official Gould confirmed as Comptroller of the Currency. Retrieved from https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/07/10/former-occ-official-gould-confirmed-as-comptroller-of-the-currency/
[4] American Banker. (2025, July 10). Gould confirmed as Comptroller of the Currency. Retrieved from https://www.americanbanker.com/news/gould-confirmed-as-comptroller-of-the-currency
- As the Comptroller, Gould will leverage his extensive experience in traditional banking regulation and his recent work in the private crypto sector to advance regulatory policies aligned with innovation and tailored oversight in the finance and technology sectors.
- Under Gould's leadership, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is expected to create a more consistent and transparent regulatory environment, supporting lawful emerging activities in crypto and fostering innovation within banks while ensuring safety and soundness in business practices.
