23-4-2025 – Paul Atkins, newly installed as Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, has vowed to anchor his tenure in the creation of a robust and clear regulatory framework for digital assets. Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Atkins declared, “My chairmanship will be defined by a commitment to forging a principled, rational, and cohesive foundation for digital asset regulation.” His words signal a decisive shift, promising to steer the SEC back to its foundational mandate of safeguarding investors, ensuring market fairness, and fostering capital growth.
Atkins, a seasoned advocate for cryptocurrency, is no stranger to the SEC’s corridors, having served as a commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under President George W. Bush. Since then, he has carved a niche as a financial sage, founding Patomak Global Partners and advising former President Trump during his first term. His recent Senate testimony last month foreshadowed this focus, underscoring his intent to prioritise a coherent digital asset framework—a pledge he now brings to fruition as the SEC’s helm.
The departure of former Chairman Gary Gensler, coupled with Trump’s inauguration, has ushered in a palpable change in the SEC’s posture. Under Atkins’ stewardship, the agency is poised to adopt a more accommodating stance towards cryptocurrency oversight. A notable stride in this direction is the formation of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, which has already begun convening roundtable discussions to demystify regulatory pathways for the crypto sector. As Atkins heralds “a new day” for the SEC, the industry watches keenly, hopeful for a era of clarity and collaboration.
