Paul Atkins, newly appointed by President Donald Trump as the head of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced a major policy shift toward a more constructive approach to crypto regulation.
Speaking at the SEC’s fourth crypto working group meeting on Monday, Atkins emphasized that the agency will move away from arbitrary enforcement and instead focus on clear regulatory frameworks that establish workable standards for market participants. "A new era is beginning at the SEC," he said, underscoring a departure from the practices of previous leadership.
Known for his pro-crypto stance, Atkins signaled openness to revising custody rules, potentially allowing funds and investment advisers to self-custody under certain conditions. He also suggested updates to broker-dealer frameworks. Unlike his predecessor Gary Gensler, who frequently targeted the crypto industry with enforcement actions, Atkins views blockchain technology as an opportunity rather than a threat. Chia Network CEO Gene Hoffman welcomed the shift, stating, “This SEC is not just focused on risks, but also on the opportunities decentralized blockchains create for investors.”
