Appointment of Former OCC Official Gould Suggested for High Position in Agency
New Comptroller of the Currency, Jonathan Gould, Embraces Innovation and Consumer Protection
Jonathan Gould, a seasoned financial regulatory expert, has been confirmed as the Comptroller of the Currency by the U.S. Senate with a 50-45 vote on July 10, 2025. Gould, who was appointed by the Trump administration, will replace Rodney Hood, who served in an acting capacity.
Gould brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Senate Banking Committee. He also has significant private sector experience, having worked at law firms Jones Day, and companies like Promontory Financial Group and BlackRock.
In his current role, Gould is known for his support of lighter regulatory oversight and embracing cryptocurrency and fintech innovation. He advocates for a tailored oversight approach that aligns supervision with each bank’s size and business model, reducing reliance on reputational risk concerns, and allowing banks to engage in prudent risk-taking. Gould also prioritizes addressing "debanking" and encouraging financial innovation within a safe regulatory framework.
Gould's nomination has been endorsed by various industry groups, including the Blockchain Association and the American Fintech Council, reflecting a continued shift towards a crypto-friendly and less restrictive regulatory stance in the banking sector. The Comptroller of the Currency oversees national banks and federal savings associations, and Gould's approach is expected to create a more consistent and transparent regulatory environment by modernizing supervisory practices and encouraging collaboration across regulatory agencies.
Notably, Gould chartered the first fintech (Varo Bank) and crypto banks (Anchorage Digital) during his previous stint at the OCC. Since February 2022, he has been in the private sector, serving as the chief legal officer at blockchain firm Bitfury before joining law firm Jones Day in Washington, D.C. in September 2022.
The Senate Banking Committee is expected to set a date for a nomination hearing for Gould. If confirmed, Gould's leadership at the OCC is anticipated to bring about a more innovative and consumer-focused approach to banking regulation. The American Fintech Council and the Consumer Bankers Association have both released statements in support of Gould's nomination.
- Jonathan Gould's extensive background in business, finance, and technology, notably his experience with fintech and cryptocurrency, will enable him to foster innovative practices in banking and championConsumer protection as the Comptroller of the Currency.
- In the endeavor to create a more consistent and transparent regulatory environment, Gould plans to modernize supervisory practices by emphasizing technology-driven solutions across national banks and federal savings associations, promoting collaboration among regulatory agencies and maintaining a focus on consumer protection and financial innovation.
