Paul Atkins Returns as SEC Chair, Pledges Focus on Crypto Regulation

In a move that could reshape the future of digital asset oversight, Paul Atkins has officially taken the helm as the 34th chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Sworn in Monday, Atkins returns to the agency with a mandate that signals a shift in tone—especially for the crypto sector.

Atkins, a vocal advocate for crypto innovation, was tapped for the role by former President Donald Trump on January 20 and received Senate confirmation earlier this month. His appointment marks a turning point from the enforcement-heavy stance of his predecessor, Gary Gensler.

"I'm honored to rejoin the SEC and look forward to working alongside the Commission's talented team to fulfill our mission of investor protection and market integrity," Atkins said in a statement.

In testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last month, Atkins made clear that building a sound regulatory structure for digital assets will be at the forefront of his agenda. This approach could bring long-awaited clarity to a market that has often felt targeted rather than guided.

Following Gensler’s departure in January, the SEC has already begun rolling back aggressive enforcement policies. Notably, it rescinded its controversial crypto accounting directive and dismissed a number of high-profile enforcement cases. Under Atkins’ leadership, that shift appears to be accelerating.

To complement these changes, the SEC has launched a new crypto task force led by Commissioner Hester Peirce. The group aims to engage industry stakeholders in open dialogue and define clearer boundaries for what does—and doesn’t—constitute a security in the crypto space.

Atkins is no stranger to the SEC. He previously served as commissioner from 2002 to 2008, appointed by President George W. Bush. After his first tenure, he founded Patomak Global Partners in 2009, a consulting firm with a roster of clients that includes traditional banks, DeFi platforms, and major crypto exchanges.

With Atkins at the helm, the SEC could be on the verge of crafting a more collaborative and transparent regulatory environment for crypto—one that many in the industry have long called for.