Trade groups applaud Jonathan Gould’s confirmation to OCC

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Jonathan Gould as head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in a 50-45 vote.

The confirmation marks another Trump administration appointee who supports more lenient oversight of the banking sector and a more welcoming stance toward cryptocurrency.

Gould previously held roles at the OCC during the first Trump administration, serving as senior deputy comptroller and chief counsel. He later became chief legal officer at Bitfury Group Ltd., a company that specializes in crypto mining hardware and related services.

In 2022, Gould joined the law firm Jones Day. He stated he would step down from the firm if confirmed at the OCC, Bloomberg reported.

Gould is expected to further advance the administration’s crypto-friendly agenda and has raised questions about certain post-financial crisis risk management measures. His nomination was endorsed by several industry groups, including the Blockchain Association, the American Fintech Council and the Independent Community Bankers of America.

Lindsey Johnson, the president and CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association (CBA), issued a statement in response to Gould’s confirmation.

“We congratulate Jonathan Gould on his confirmation to serve as Comptroller of the Currency. Mr. Gould’s experience across both the public and private sectors gives him a well-rounded perspective and deep credibility at a time when a pragmatic approach to bank regulation is essential,” she said.

“We look forward to working with Comptroller Gould and other policymakers to advocate for sound policies that enable America’s leading Main Street banks to continue to drive economic growth and innovation in communities across the country.”

Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), also released a statement of congratulations and touted Gould’s “distinguished résumé in both the private and public sector.”

“We look forward to Comptroller Gould’s measured approach to banking supervision, with a focus on ensuring safety and soundness in the banking system without imposing overly complex or burdensome regulatory oversight,” Broeksmit said.

“MBA will also continue to advocate for reforms that support improved housing affordability and banks’ increased participation in the mortgage market, such as recalibrating risk-based capital requirements for mortgage servicing rights and warehouse lending.”