• Trump Media is in talks to acquire Bakkt, a crypto exchange, sparking a stock price surge.
• Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong discusses pro-crypto personnel appointments with Trump, boosting crypto's policy prospects.
• Armstrong suggests SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce as the ideal replacement for Gensler.

President-elect Donald Trump is discussing pro-crypto personnel appointments with Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase. His social media firm, Trump Media, is also in talks to purchase Bakkt, a crypto exchange.

Bakkt’s stock price shot up dramatically since these talks, and Armstrong previously recommended that Trump appoint “Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce as the new SEC Chair.

Trump, Bakkt, and Armstrong

Trump Media, the President-elect’s social media and technology company, is currently in talks to purchase Bakkt, a crypto exchange. Bakkt’s prominence in the industry peaked years ago, and was subsequently described as a “marginal player in the space.” Earlier this year, it publicly considered sale or breakup options. Since this offer, however, its stock price has soared.

Although Donald Trump has been pursuing a comprehensive set of pro-crypto changes to US institutions, these actions fall under his political career. As a businessman and private citizen, his interest hasn’t extended to crypto investments since the lackluster presale of World Liberty Financial (WLFI). A Bakkt purchase could bring Trump fresh skin in the game.

However, the world of crypto exchanges is touching his policy outlook at the same time. Specifically, Coinbase CEO and Founder Brian Armstrong is also meeting with the President-elect today. Armstrong and Trump are reportedly discussing personnel appointments for the upcoming administration.

A clear industry insider, Armstrong has a vested interest in friendly policy outcomes for crypto. Throughout the election cycle, Coinbase spent tens of millions boosting pro-crypto candidates at multiple levels. Since Trump’s victory, Armstrong has made several supportive comments, praising Elon Musk’s D.O.G.E. and suggesting a new post-Gensler SEC Chair:

“Hester Peirce would be the best choice. Smart, fair, professional. Can work with both sides,” Armstrong claimed.

“Crypto Mom” Hester Peirce is one of the five sitting SEC Commissioners, and one of two appointed by Trump. Gensler’s impending ouster has sparked a flurry of prediction market speculation about who will succeed him. If Armstrong has not changed his opinion since originally recommending her, these talks could substantially increase Peirce’s chances.