SEC’s New Crypto Vision: Paul Atkins Vows to Position U.S. as Global Crypto Hub

Paul Atkins, chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish the country as the epicenter of global cryptocurrency markets. Speaking at an SEC roundtable, Atkins emphasized a shift toward regulatory clarity for digital assets, marking a departure from the agency’s historically cautious stance.

The proposed framework will address three critical areas: asset issuance, custodial services, and broker-dealer operations. Clear guidelines for token offerings are expected to resolve longstanding uncertainty around compliance requirements. Custody rule updates aim to bridge traditional finance infrastructure with digital asset markets.

This regulatory pivot comes as global competitors like the EU and UK advance their own crypto frameworks. The SEC’s move could determine whether American firms lead or follow in the next phase of institutional crypto adoption.