Top Contenders to Replace FED Chair as Jerome Powell Term Ends Nears

The Trump administration is preparing for a big financial reset in 2025, with Jerome Powell’s term as Federal Reserve Chair ending in May. A list of 11 potential successors is already in play, but what’s grabbing attention is that three of them are seen as crypto-friendly, a shift that could redefine how digital assets fit into the U.S. financial system.

Powell’s cautious approach has kept crypto growth steady but restricted. Trump, on the other hand, seems eager to fast-track adoption, putting the spotlight on who will lead the Fed next.

FED Chair Candidates 2025: 11 Names on the List

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that 11 “very strong candidates” are being vetted for the Fed’s top job. The list includes:

• Lorie Logan (Dallas Fed President)
• James Bullard (Former St. Louis Fed Chief)
• Philip Jefferson (Fed Vice Chair)
• Chris Waller (Fed Governor)
• Michelle Bowman (Fed Governor)
• Marc Sumerlin
• David Zervos (Jefferies strategist)
• Rick Rieder (BlackRock)

The timing is crucial. A possible September rate cut could inject more liquidity into markets, often boosting demand for risk assets like Bitcoin.

Rick Rieder BlackRock: Bitcoin Is Here to Stay

Among the names, Rick Rieder, BlackRock’s global fixed income CIO, is one of the loudest crypto supporters. He has repeatedly said Bitcoin is “here to stay” and could become a core allocation asset for institutions.

With BlackRock already managing the largest Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, his appointment would likely signal a clear shift toward mainstream crypto adoption at the Fed.

Chris Waller and Michelle Bowman Support Crypto Innovation

Current Fed Governors Chris Waller and Michelle Bowman also bring crypto-friendly views.

• Bowman suggested Fed employees should be allowed to hold small amounts of crypto to better understand it.
• Waller has argued that banks have “nothing to fear” from crypto payments.

Their comments stand in sharp contrast to Powell’s cautious stance, showing how sentiment inside the Fed is slowly changing.

• Also Read :
•   Former WH Crypto Director Bo Hines Says Bitcoin Reserve Act Will Be Enacted in 2025
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Jefferies and Crypto: David Zervos’ Quiet Role

David Zervos, chief strategist at Jefferies, has been less vocal but still connected to digital assets. His firm has backed Circle, eToro, and Bullish Exchange, and supported Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin play.

This reflects how Wall Street and traditional finance are increasingly converging with the crypto industry.

Trump vs Fed: Rising Tensions Ahead

Another twist is the controversy around Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who is facing mortgage fraud allegations. Despite calls to resign, she has refused, even as Trump threatens her removal.

This clash highlights growing tension between the White House and the Fed, raising questions about central bank independence.

With Powell’s term ending and several crypto-friendly candidates in the race, the stage is set for a turning point. A Trump-backed Fed could be far more open to digital assets, potentially accelerating crypto adoption in the U.S.

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