SEC Chair Paul Atkins Criticizes Predecessor’s Approach to Crypto Regulation

Newly appointed SEC Chair Paul Atkins delivered his first public address, marking a stark departure from the regulatory stance of his predecessor, Gary Gensler. Speaking at the SEC’s third crypto roundtable, Atkins emphasized the need for clear regulatory frameworks to foster innovation in the cryptocurrency sector.

Atkins praised recent pro-crypto initiatives undertaken by the Commission in his absence, while condemning the adversarial posture of the previous administration. "Market participants engaging with this technology deserve clear regulatory rules of the road," he asserted, signaling a potential shift toward more accommodative policies.

The roundtable included heads of prominent crypto custody businesses, underscoring the industry’s growing institutional participation. Atkins’ comments reflect mounting pressure on regulators to provide certainty as digital assets gain mainstream traction.