SEC Chair Declares ’Crypto’s Time Has Come’ in Paris Keynote

SEC Chair Paul Atkins has reinforced his pro-industry stance in a landmark speech in Paris, invoking Victor Hugo to declare cryptocurrency's irreversible momentum in global finance. The address outlined a dual focus: maintaining existing regulatory frameworks while pioneering initiatives like on-chain capital formation and integrated trading platforms.

Atkins emphasized alignment with the TRUMP administration's enforcement priorities, cautioning against regulatory overreach that could stifle innovation. His remarks highlighted key areas for SEC engagement—foreign investment flows, crypto-specific accounting standards, and materiality assessments for digital assets.

The speech notably lacked direct coin or exchange mentions, instead framing crypto adoption as an ideological inevitability. 'New technologies are revolutionizing finance,' Atkins stated, positioning the SEC as both gatekeeper and enabler of this transformation.