- Paul Atkins, the new SEC Chair, aims to establish rational regulations for digital assets, with an ambition to make the country fully crypto-focused.
- Atkins financial exposure to blockchain aligns interests with the crypto industry and shows a market-friendly approach.
- Crypto advocates anticipate progress on ETFs and digital finance under Atkins’ leadership, contrasting Gensler’s hardline stance.
After months of rumors and growing tension in the broader crypto market, Paul Atkins has taken over the role of new chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The change of SEC chair has come in favor of making the U.S. the most crypto-focused nation in the world. He is not on the side of watching or regulating; in fact, he has personally invested $6 million in digital assets.
During a formal event held in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump stood alongside Atkins as he officially took his oath. The moment wasn’t just symbolic — it marked a potential pivot in the government’s handling of digital assets.
Atkins, a former SEC Commissioner, declared:
“A top priority in my chairmanship will be to provide a firm regulatory foundation for digital assets through a rational, coherent, and principled approach.”
Standing firmly on that pledge, Atkins emphasized a broader goal: transforming the United States into “the best and most secure place in the world” for digital finance operations. That message resonated across the crypto space, especially given the regulatory uncertainty left behind by Gary Gensler’s controversial term.
Signs of a Softening Stance on Crypto?
His confirmation before the Senate wasn’t without fireworks, but it was also marked by direct recognition of crypto regulation as a key agenda item. That transparency alone was a breath of fresh air for many in the industry, who long criticized the SEC for murky enforcement practices.
Former acting Chair Mark Uyeda had already hinted at a changing tide. Under Uyeda’s interim leadership, the SEC scrapped a string of enforcement cases targeting blockchain startups and even rolled out a task force focused solely on digital assets. These developments now seem like a setup for Atkins to build upon.
Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy, known for his early bullish stance on Bitcoin, showed strong support for Atkins, saying, “SEC Chairman Paul Atkins will be good for Bitcoin.” The endorsement carries weight, particularly with investors who remember the regulatory freezes of past years.
From Regulatory Clashes to Rational Reform
Criticism of former Chair Gensler’s hardline approach wasn’t isolated. Some in the industry said he was being too strict with the rules. Even an AI chatbot made by Elon Musk’s company joined in, saying that unlike Gensler, the new leader, Atkins, is expected to support new ideas while keeping fair rules in place.
Atkins isn’t diving into this blindly—he’s already deeply invested. He’s put around $5 million into a crypto-focused fund and holds close to $1 million in equity spread across two blockchain ventures. That kind of financial skin in the game sends a clear message: his personal success is tied to the industry’s.
“Atkins brings clarity at a time when the space needs it most,” said Mitchell DiRaimondo, the founder of SteelWave Digital
Whether that clarity translates into workable policies, though, will be closely watched in the coming months. Some of the clearest signs of change may come through crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications. Nate Geraci, president of the ETF Store, sees room for real progress. He pointed out that decisions around in-kind creations, Ethereum staking, and redemptions might finally move under Atkins’ guidance.
