Skip to content

Senate progresses with confirmation hearing for Gould's appointment to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Republican Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina asserts that Jonathan Gould will cease politically-oriented de-banking, while Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts contends that Gould's history indicates he'll prioritize actions that benefit Wall Street.

Senate moves forward with consideration of Gould's nomination for Organization of American States...
Senate moves forward with consideration of Gould's nomination for Organization of American States Commissioner

Senate progresses with confirmation hearing for Gould's appointment to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Jonathan Gould was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on July 10, 2025, as the 32nd Comptroller of the Currency. The confirmation came after his nomination by President Donald Trump in February 2025. The vote was 50-45, reflecting a partisan divide, but Gould's extensive experience in financial regulation was widely recognized.

Controversy Surrounding the Confirmation

The close vote in the Senate was met with some controversy, but no major specific scandals or personal controversies about Gould were reported. The partisan divide may be linked to broader political or regulatory philosophy differences.

Gould's Priorities as Comptroller

Gould has expressed a commitment to preserving and modernizing the national banking system to support economic growth and financial opportunity. He pledged to depoliticize bank supervision by tailoring regulatory oversight to the risk profiles of individual institutions.

Gould emphasized the importance of combating "debanking" practices, where banks refuse customers due to reputational concerns, to ensure fair access to banking services. Ensuring lawful cryptocurrency and digital asset activities can safely operate within a regulated framework is also part of his agenda.

Deregulatory Efforts

During his tenure, Gould's approach suggests a tilt towards reducing regulatory burdens while maintaining safety and soundness. This is evident in his support for deregulatory momentum, including Congressional Review Act resolutions overturning certain Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rules.

Gould's past roles in private sector advisory capacities indicate a focus on adapting oversight to institution risk rather than one-size-fits-all rules. This approach aligns with recent moves to rescind expansive DeFi broker reporting requirements.

Looking Ahead

If confirmed, Gould will replace Acting Comptroller Rodney Hood. His nomination now goes to the full Senate for confirmation. Meanwhile, Jonathan McKernan's nomination to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is awaiting a vote with the full Senate.

Gould's confirmation marks a step towards modernizing the banking system and balancing regulatory efficiency with a carefully tailored deregulatory approach that facilitates innovation, particularly in the cryptocurrency space.

Read also:

Latest