Catenaa, Tuesday, April22, 2025-Paul Atkins, a longtime crypto proponent, was officially sworn in Monday as the 34th chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a major leadership shift that could pave the way for more industry-friendly digital asset regulation.
Atkins, nominated by President Donald Trump in January and confirmed by the Senate earlier this month, takes the helm amid mounting calls for regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency sector.
“As I return to the SEC, I am pleased to join with my fellow Commissioners and the agency’s dedicated professionals to advance its mission to facilitate capital formation; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and protect investors,” Atkins said in a statement.
Known for his deregulatory stance, Atkins is expected to prioritize the creation of a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework.
His appointment comes after the departure of former Chair Gary Gensler in January.
Gensler’s tenure was marked by controversial enforcement actions and stringent crypto oversight, which drew criticism from industry leaders and lawmakers alike.
Atkins had previously signaled in Senate testimony that digital asset reform would be a top priority, aligning with the SEC’s recent decision to rescind crypto accounting guidance and drop lawsuits against key players in the space.
The agency has also established a new crypto task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, aimed at inviting public input and clarifying the legal status of various cryptocurrencies.
Atkins, who served as SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, returns to the agency after founding regulatory consulting firm Patomak Global Partners.
