Paul Atkins Elected SEC Chair, Signals Pro-Crypto Shift

Paul Atkins Elected SEC Chair, Signals Pro-Crypto Shift

In Summary

  • Paul Atkins confirmed as SEC chair in 52–44 Senate vote
  • Trump nominee expected to adopt crypto-friendly regulations
  • Critics raise concerns over Atkins’ ties to failed FTX exchange
  • SEC already reversing course on crypto enforcement actions


Catenaa, Thursday, April 10, 2025-The US Senate voted yesterday (09) to confirm Paul Atkins as the new Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ushering in a regulatory era expected to favor the cryptocurrency industry.

Atkins, a former SEC commissioner under President George W. Bush and founder of financial consulting firm Patomak Global Partners, was approved in a 52-44 vote.

His confirmation follows President Donald Trump’s December nomination and marks a decisive shift from the crypto-wary approach of former Chair Gary Gensler, who departed in January.

In his Senate testimony, Atkins pledged to prioritize building a regulatory framework for digital assets, a move anticipated by industry advocates. Under his watch, the SEC has already withdrawn controversial crypto accounting rules, dropped enforcement actions against several major firms, and launched a dedicated crypto task force, which will hold its second roundtable on Friday.

Despite controversies tied to FTX, Atkins’ confirmation solidifies a regulatory pivot that could reshape how digital assets are governed in the US financial system.

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