Atkins replaces Gensler, pledges regulatory clarity for digital assets
Paul Atkins, a known crypto advocate, has officially been sworn in as the 34th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the agency announced Monday. His appointment, made by President Donald Trump, marks a significant shift in the regulatory tone toward crypto markets.
Atkins, who previously served on the Commission under President George W. Bush, has promised to prioritize constructive regulation and end the “regulation-by-enforcement” approach that defined Gary Gensler’s controversial tenure.
New task force and guidance reversals already underway
Since Gensler’s departure in January, the SEC has begun unwinding several aggressive enforcement strategies, including dropping lawsuits against major exchanges and rescinding contentious crypto accounting rules.
Under Atkins, the SEC has established a new crypto task force, led by Commissioner Hester Peirce, to develop transparent standards for determining which tokens are and aren’t securities. The task force is also engaging with crypto companies and academic experts in open forums.
Atkins is widely expected to support expanded crypto ETF offerings and clearer guidance for DeFi protocols, setting the stage for one of the most industry-aligned periods in the SEC’s modern history.
