Five Finalists Emerge for Federal Reserve Chair, Powell’s Successor in Sight: Bessent’s Announcement

Key Points

• Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, unveils five-person shortlist for next Federal Reserve Chair.
• The final decision is expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a shortlist of five candidates for the next Federal Reserve Chair on Monday. He made the announcement while speaking to reporters on Air Force One, revealing a mix of current Fed leadership and external financial expertise.

The Finalists

The five candidates, according to Bessent, include Christopher Waller, a current member of the Fed Board, and Michelle Bowman, who is also a current Fed Board member and serves as Vice Chair for Supervision. The list also includes Kevin Warsh, a former Fed Governor, Kevin Hassett, who is the Director of the White House National Economic Council, and Rick Rieder, the Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock.

The President is expected to make his final decision by the end of the year.

Waller’s Interview

Christopher Waller confirmed that he had been interviewed by Secretary Bessent for the position. The interview lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes and covered topics such as economics, monetary policy, the Fed, and the economy. Waller stated that he would accept the position if the president believes he is the best choice for the role.

Candidates’ Background

The candidates bring a mix of experience from within the Fed and from external financial roles. Waller has been a member of the Fed Board since 2020, with previous experience at the St. Louis Fed. Bowman joined the board in 2018 and became Vice Chair for Supervision in 2025. Warsh served as a Fed Governor from 2006 to 2011, playing a key role during the 2008 financial crisis. Hassett is the current NEC Director and former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. Rieder manages $2.4 trillion at BlackRock and sits on several financial advisory committees.

The new Fed Chair will succeed Jerome Powell, whose term ends in 2025. The nominee must be confirmed by the Senate.

Implications for Crypto Markets

The appointment of a new Federal Reserve Chair is a significant event that can have wide-ranging implications for financial markets, including cryptocurrency. If the new chair is more open to digital assets or less restrictive on financial innovation, it could lead to more favorable conditions for crypto adoption. However, a hawkish Fed stance could curb speculation in riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies. The next Fed Chair’s approach to digital assets will be closely watched by investors, as it will likely set the tone for crypto regulation and investment strategies for years to come.