Paul Atkins Returns to SEC Helm, Pledges Bold Shift Toward Pro-Crypto Clarity

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is poised for a major regulatory pivot as Paul Atkins, a former Commissioner, officially steps in as the new chair. Confirmed by the Senate on April 9 with a 52–44 vote, Atkins becomes the first person to be confirmed as SEC commissioner three separate times—first in 2002, again in 2003, and now in 2025.

His return marks a turning point for the agency, particularly regarding its treatment of digital assets. The SEC acknowledged Atkins’ leadership in an official statement, expressing enthusiasm for his collaboration with staff and fellow commissioners to serve the public interest.

With acting Chair Mark T. Uyeda—another longtime SEC figure—temporarily holding the reins following Gary Gensler’s departure, Atkins enters during a moment of internal recalibration. Uyeda, appointed in 2022 and a Republican like Atkins, previously worked in key Senate and executive roles. Commissioners Hester Peirce and Caroline Crenshaw also continue on the panel. Peirce, who leads the agency’s new crypto task force, has become a champion for regulatory clarity, while Crenshaw brings both military and legal experience to her Democratic-leaning policy positions.

In his recent congressional testimony, Atkins criticized the SEC’s legacy of ambiguity in crypto oversight. “The absence of clear, workable rules has left the digital asset space in a state of uncertainty,” he told lawmakers. “Over the past eight years, I’ve worked closely with industry groups to help define best practices. Now, I intend to bring that vision to the SEC itself.”

Atkins pledged to push for “a rational, coherent, and principled” framework that could finally align U.S. crypto policy with innovation and growth. Under his leadership, the agency is expected to fully shift from its prior enforcement-heavy posture toward a more collaborative regulatory model.

The recent change is already taking shape. Several high-profile crypto enforcement cases have been quietly shelved, and the agency’s tone has evolved—emphasizing policy development over punishment. The SEC’s crypto task force has ramped up industry outreach and is now seeking input from blockchain companies, investors, and developers.

White House approval is the final step before Atkins is formally sworn in, as noted by Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett. She described the confirmation as potentially historic and hinted that the official transition could happen within days, pending presidential sign-off.

As the SEC looks to reposition itself as a facilitator of innovation rather than a roadblock, all eyes are now on how Atkins will turn his pro-growth promises into regulatory reform.