Jonathan Gould Confirmed as OCC Chief Amid Push for Deregulation

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Jonathan Gould as the new head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the federal agency that oversees national banks. The vote passed narrowly at 50-45, positioning Gould at the forefront of financial regulation under the Trump administration.

Gould brings a mix of regulatory, legal, and crypto experience to the role. He previously served as chief counsel at the OCC from 2018 to 2021 and held senior legal roles at law firm Jones Day and blockchain technology company Bitfury. In 2018, he also worked as chief counsel to the Senate Banking Committee under then-Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

His appointment aligns with broader Trump-era efforts to ease banking regulations in a bid to stimulate economic growth. Industry leaders quickly praised the confirmation, anticipating a more business-friendly regulatory approach.

“We look forward to working with Comptroller Gould on key regulatory issues that support a strong and resilient banking system,” said Rob Nichols, CEO of the American Bankers Association.

As Comptroller, Gould is expected to influence rules affecting large national banks and digital asset firms, drawing on his crypto background and legal expertise. His confirmation signals a likely shift in tone at the OCC, favoring deregulation and potential innovation in financial services, including blockchain and fintech integration.

The appointment may have significant implications for banks navigating evolving digital asset policies and regulatory reform, as the OCC plays a central role in shaping the future of U.S. financial oversight.