Gary Gensler Aide, Former SEC Policy Director Heather Slavkin Corzo, Joins Mindset Lobbying Firm to Serve Crypto Clients Like Paxos
Heather Slavkin Corzo follows David Hirsch, head of the SEC’s crypto asset division, in exiting the agency.
- SEC policy directors serve at the chair’s discretion or if they voluntarily or involuntarily exit, unlike the five-year term for commissioners.
- Mindset caters to high-profile clients, including PayPal, Meta, Amazon, and Paxos.
- Mindset already has 14 lobbyists in the SEC.
Heather Slavkin Corzo, a former advisor to SEC Chair Gary Gensler and the agency’s Policy Director, is joining Mindset. Fox Business’ Eleanor Terrett noted that Corzo was a crypto skeptic.
Gensler described Corzo as one of his “most trusted advisers,” lauding her efforts in strengthening investor protections and enhancing capital formation. He personally appointed Corzo to her role.
Mindset, a public policy firm with numerous financial clients, including the crypto company Paxos, will benefit from Heather Slavkin Corzo’s insights. The firm has lobbyists in 29 agencies, including 14 dedicated to the SEC.
Departure of David Hirsch
Corzo’s departure follows that of David Hirsch, head of the SEC’s Crypto Asset and Cyber Unit in the Division of Enforcement. Unlike Hirsch, whose plans are still unknown, Corzo has already joined Mindset.
Unlike SEC commissioners, who serve five-year terms, policy directors do not have a fixed duration, meaning their term ends when they resign, are replaced, or the appointing chair leaves office.
Joe Biden recently announced his intention to renominate anti-crypto SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw for a second term. The SEC’s five-member commission includes Chairman Gary Gensler, two pro-crypto commissioners, and two anti-crypto commissioners (including Crenshaw).
Mindset Lobbying Firm
According to Open Secrets, in 2023, Mindset was hired by 86 clients and earned nearly $12.9 million. These clients included major companies like PayPal, Meta, and Amazon and crypto firms like OTC Markets Group and Paxos.
The firm employs 14 lobbyists at the SEC, 11 at the Federal Reserve, and two at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), among representatives in 29 other agencies. To date, these lobbyists have not advocated for any crypto-related bills.
As a crypto skeptic and a former insider in Gensler’s circle, Corzo’s expertise will provide the company’s clients with a valuable understanding of the SEC.
