26-4-2025 – At the cryptocurrency roundtable held at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, newly appointed SEC Chairman Paul Atkins heralded a new era for digital assets. Barely a week into his tenure, Atkins articulated a vision for a regulatory framework that champions innovation while ensuring market integrity. His remarks, delivered with conviction, underscored a commitment to crafting policies that nurture the burgeoning crypto sector.
Atkins, addressing a gathering of industry leaders, legal scholars, and regulators, emphasised the urgent need to modernise the SEC’s approach to digital assets. He pointed to the rapid evolution of blockchain technology, which he believes holds transformative potential to enhance transparency, streamline operations, and mitigate financial risks. “The promise of this technology is immense,” he declared, “and it’s our responsibility to foster its growth with clear, pragmatic rules.”
A key focus of the event was the complex issue of crypto custody—how digital assets are securely held on behalf of clients. Atkins acknowledged the challenges firms face in navigating existing regulations while safeguarding customer funds. He revealed plans to reassess rules governing crypto brokers and custody arrangements, signaling a departure from the restrictive policies of his predecessor, Gary Gensler. Under Gensler, the SEC had proposed stringent requirements for custodians, a move that sidelined many crypto platforms. Atkins indicated that these proposals are now under review, with the agency poised to act decisively, even as Congress deliberates on broader crypto legislation.
While welcoming Congressional guidance, Atkins was clear that the SEC possesses sufficient authority to implement meaningful reforms. “A statutory foundation would be ideal,” he noted, “but we have the tools to move forward under current laws.” This proactive stance reflects his determination to bridge the gap between innovation and regulation without delay.
Atkins also paid tribute to Commissioner Hester Peirce, affectionately dubbed “Crypto Mom” for her steadfast advocacy of balanced crypto policies. He lauded her as a vital ally in the quest to establish a “rational and fit-for-purpose” regulatory framework, one that supports market participants while protecting investors.
The roundtable marked a significant moment for the SEC, coming on the heels of the agency’s decision to drop its long-running lawsuit against Ripple. The event also carried political undertones, with Atkins acknowledging the crypto industry’s influential role in the recent U.S. presidential election. The sector’s financial and strategic support for President Donald Trump’s campaign, as well as pro-crypto congressional candidates, underscored its growing clout after a challenging period under the previous administration.
With a collaborative spirit, Atkins pledged to engage with stakeholders across the industry to devise solutions that work. His address, both forward-looking and grounded in practicality, has sparked optimism that the SEC, under his leadership, will pave the way for a thriving and well-regulated crypto ecosystem in the United States.
