- Paul Atkins confirmed as SEC Chair in a 52-44 vote replacing Acting Chair Mark Uyeda
- Atkins is expected to prioritize regulatory clarity for crypto firms and accelerate ETF approvals
- SEC’s April 11 Crypto Task Force Roundtable will outline Atkins’ approach to digital asset regulation
Paul Atkins has been confirmed by the Senate in a 52-44 vote to take the reigns of the SEC, replacing Mark Uyeda, the acting chair who stepped in after Gary Gensler’s resignation on January 20.
The new Chairman is expected to continue Uyeda’s policy of easing regulations on crypto firms, and working alongside the industry in order to come up with a clearer regulatory framework. Atkins will now lead the Securities and Exchange Commission for the remainder of the current term — expiring in June of 2026.
Who Is Paul Atkins?
Atkins is a seasoned regulatory expert who previously served as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under President George W. Bush. He is known for his light-touch regulatory philosophy, advocating for transparency and balanced oversight.
Crypto Stance and Regulatory Views
During the Senate interview, Atkins emphasized that one of his priorities as head of the SEC would be to create regulatory clarity for the digital asset industry. He is widely regarded as having a far more ‘crypto-friendly’ stance, compared to Gary Gensler.
His leadership is expected to accelerate the approval process for crypto-based ETFs and establish more definitive guidelines on token classification, custody, and market structure.
Atkins has been a long-time advocate of the industry. After his SEC tenure, he co-chaired the Token Alliance, a blockchain advocacy group, and advised crypto firms through his consultancy Patomak Global Partners. His personal investments in Anchorage Digital and Off the Chain Capital, which are reportedly worth up to $6 million in digital assets according to his financial disclosures submitted to the Senate during his confirmation process.
Next Steps for the SEC
The SEC’s Crypto Task Force Roundtable on April 11 will be a key event under Atkins’ leadership. The agenda includes:
- Opening Remarks (1:00–1:20 p.m.): Featuring Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, Commissioners Caroline Crenshaw and Hester Peirce, and Richard Gabbert.
- Roundtable Discussion (1:20–3:00 p.m.): Moderated by Nicholas Losurdo, with panelists from Coinbase, Uniswap Labs, NYSE, and more.
- Regulatory Direction Discussion (3:30–5:00 p.m.): Exploring the SEC’s evolving stance on crypto trading and regulation.
This roundtable will likely provide insights into how Atkins plans to reshape the SEC’s approach to digital assets and securities regulation. With his confirmation, the crypto industry is watching closely to see if promises of common-sense regulations will materialize.
