SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins Backs PWG’s Bold Crypto Policy Overhaul—What It Means for Your Portfolio

Regulators finally wake up to crypto—or just want a piece of the action?

The President’s Working Group (PWG) just got a heavyweight endorsement for its crypto framework, and it’s not from some DeFi anarchist. SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins—yes, the same guy who usually scowls at your Bitcoin tweets—is throwing his weight behind the proposals. Is this progress or just bureaucracy catching up?

Why This Matters Now

With institutional money flooding into crypto like a bull in a china shop, the PWG’s plan could either legitimize the space or strangle it with red tape. Atkins’ support signals a rare détente between crypto rebels and the suits. But let’s be real—when has Wall Street ever embraced change without extracting its pound of flesh?

The Fine Print Nobody’s Reading

The proposals aim to clarify oversight without killing innovation (we’ve heard that before). Stablecoins? Probably getting treated like banks. DeFi platforms? Expect ‘How to AML’ crash courses. And of course, the SEC isn’t about to surrender its turf—just ask the XRP holders still waiting for their day in court.

The Bottom Line

Atkins’ move might calm institutional nerves, but crypto’s real test comes next: Will regulations protect investors or just protect the old guard’s moat? Either way, grab popcorn—the gap between ‘compliant’ and ‘actually decentralized’ is where the next crypto war gets fought.

SEC’s Atkins says the PWG report will drive innovation and protect investors

According to Atkins, the PWG report provides a balanced framework for digital asset oversight that encourages innovation, protects investors, and maintains the world-class standing of America’s financial markets.

He explained that the framework WOULD preserve market stability, encourage secure adoption, and enhance investor safeguards. He added that the SEC will continue to exercise its existing authority to create new rules and enforce any legislation passed by Congress. 

Atkins also acknowledged President TRUMP for his proactive stance on crypto, which was something he had seen was missing in the past administration. He commented, “Thank goodness President Trump does and is leading on it.”

He also supported his colleagues, saying he would work with Commissioner Hester Peirce and the SEC’s Crypto Task Force to foster the crypto vision.

The PWG report urges closer coordination between the SEC, CFTC, and other key federal agencies to establish a unified, transparent, and consistent regulatory approach. In line with the report’s recommendations, Atkins stated that they will develop innovative and durable regulatory policies that encourage growth in the sector and address potential risks. 

He noted that the US still needs to step up its efforts to stay ahead in the crypto revolution, saying he’s ready to do his part of the work.

The Trump administration had asked regulators to act on the report’s recommendations

On Wednesday, the Trump administration urged federal regulators to implement the report’s recommendations. In a fact sheet, the WHITE House commented on the PWG report, saying, “By implementing these recommendations, policymakers can ensure that the United States leads the blockchain revolution and ushers in the Golden Age of Crypto.” 

It added that the report calls for the SEC and CFTC to act within their authority to facilitate federal-level trading of digital assets by setting clear rules on registration, custody, trading, and recordkeeping.

Additionally, per the fact sheet, the report requires regulators to ensure that new financial products can reach the market swiftly, without being held up by red tape. The report also pushes that the agencies clarify which bank functions are allowed in terms of stablecoins and blockchain technology, and for them to enhance disclosure around the process for obtaining bank charters.

These recommendations come on the heels of President Trump signing the first-ever congressional legislation regulating stablecoins, a MOVE hailed as a major victory for the crypto sector. The law outlines a framework for US dollar-backed stablecoins, which proponents say will encourage broader adoption of digital assets in mainstream finance, despite controversial views. 

Some lawmakers criticized the stablecoin framework, believing the president still has conflicts of interest. Trump and his family have affiliations with digital asset businesses, such as World Liberty Financial, a platform that has launched its token and stablecoin.

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