Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler expressed concerns about the Securities and Exchange Commission’s plan to prioritize President Trump’s push to end quarterly reports, suggesting the change could increase market volatility and reduce transparency.
During an interview with CNBC, Gensler, who served between 2021 and 2025 with President Joe Biden’s administration, emphasized that quarterly reporting has been effective for 55 years and has contributed to the strength of U.S. capital markets.
“If we go to only twice a year instead of four times a year reporting, the markets will be a bit more volatile. It will be harder to understand what’s happening in the markets,” Gensler said, pushing back against arguments that quarterly reporting prevents long-term thinking.
He acknowledged the costs associated with corporate disclosure but maintained that transparency creates “a big public good” that helps the economy function better.
Source: Fmr. SEC chair Gary Gensler: Markets will be volatile if companies only report earnings twice a year