The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled a voluntary program offering eligible employees a $50,000 incentive to resign or retire by April 4. The initiative, designed to streamline the agency’s workforce, coincides with broader federal government efforts to reduce staffing levels under Trump’s administration.

SEC Offers $50,000 Incentive for Employees to Resign or Retire

According to Bloomberg, the offer was communicated via an email sent on February 28 by SEC Chief Operating Officer Ken Johnson to all agency employees. The incentive, described as a “voluntary separation incentive” or a “voluntary early retirement program”, highlights the parameters for eligibility. Employees must have been on the SEC payroll before January 24 and must leave the agency through resignation, transfer, or retirement.

However, rejoining the SEC within five years would require repayment of the full incentive amount, per the program’s guidelines. The deadline to apply for the plan is March 21.

Government Efficiency Drive

The program aligns with the Trump administration’s push to reduce the size of the federal workforce, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk. Federal agencies have been rolling out similar buyout plans to encourage staff reductions. Reports indicate that over 100,000 federal employees have already left their roles as part of these initiatives.

This announcement follows the SEC’s directive last week for staff—including unionized employees—to return to in-office work starting April 14.

The SEC’s workforce changes come amid other organizational shifts, including reports in February of a scaling back in its crypto enforcement unit. At the same time, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce shared updates on the agency’s evolving regulatory approach to crypto markets, signaling intensified scrutiny of digital assets.

Roundtable on Security Status

On the other hand, shortly after Donald Trump's inauguration, a Crypto Task Force was established with the aim of setting clear regulatory guidelines for the cryptocurrency market. Yesterday, it was announced that the task force will conduct a series of roundtables titled "The Spring Sprint Toward Crypto Clarity," which will begin on March 21.

“I am looking forward to drawing on the expertise of the public in developing a workable regulatory framework for crypto,” said Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, who is leading the Crypto Task Force. “The roundtables are an important part of our engagement with the public.”

Currently, the acting Chairman of the SEC is Mark Uyeda, who will serve in this role until the US Senate confirms Paula Atkins for the position.

The shift in the SEC's approach under the new administration and management is already evident. The commission has dropped, among other things, lawsuits against Coinbase, and a few days later against the Gemini exchange, which is intended to serve as a tangible sign of the promise of greater crypto clarity.

Source: Finance Magnates