What Happened?
Paul Atkins has officially become the 34th ### of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He served as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, and upon his return, he pledged to continue protecting investors and maintaining market integrity.
Atkins himself is also an investor in cryptocurrency, holding approximately $6 million in crypto-related assets, including equity in blockchain companies and cryptocurrency funds.
Atkins holds a positive view toward crypto assets, and industry leaders believe he may advance the progress of Bitcoin securities and crypto ETFs.
New SEC ### Officially Takes Office
Recently, Paul Atkins was officially sworn in as the 34th ### of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Atkins previously served as an SEC commissioner during the George W. Bush administration from 2002 to 2008 and has returned in the role of ###.
In his inaugural speech, Atkins expressed his honor in receiving the trust and support from current U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. Senate, promising to uphold the SEC’s mission to facilitate capital formation, protect investors, and maintain a fair and efficient market.
Atkins emphasized that the SEC is committed to making the U.S. the preferred destination for global investment, and he will actively collaborate with other commissioners and professionals to achieve this goal.
Industry Optimistic About Future of Crypto Sector
Unlike his predecessor Gary Gensler, Atkins is seen as more favorable toward digital assets and considers cryptocurrency regulation as one of his key priorities.
According to media reports, Atkins is expected to continue the crypto-friendly measures initiated by acting ### Mark Uyeda after taking office. Uyeda recently led the establishment of a cryptocurrency working group and ordered a review of existing cryptocurrency policies.
Moreover, Atkins himself has invested in cryptocurrency, owning approximately $6 million in related assets, including about $1 million in equity in blockchain companies and a $5 million cryptocurrency investment fund.
Many industry leaders believe that Atkins could bring significant policy changes to the crypto sector. For instance, Pierre Rochard, CEO of Bitcoin Bond Company, stated that Atkins’s friendly attitude toward the crypto market may facilitate the approval of Bitcoin-related securities and positively impact the U.S. capital markets.
Nate Geraci, president of financial planning company The ETF Store, also pointed out that under Atkins’s leadership, the SEC may further address the stalled cryptocurrency ETF regulations.
Atkins’s appointment adds numerous variables to the future of crypto policy; however, such changes may also face challenges from the legislature, particularly given the close ties between Trump and business interests in the crypto field. Whether Atkins’s leadership can meet industry expectations will be a significant indicator of future developments in cryptocurrency policy.
Source: CoinDesk, CryptoSlate