The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Paul Atkins as the new Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), clearing the way for a major shift in the agency’s approach to crypto. The vote came down 52–44 on April 9, 2025, confirming what many already expected: Washington’s regulatory stance on digital assets is changing.
If Atkins’s name rings a bell, he’s been here before. He served as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, mostly focusing on reducing what he saw as excessive regulation. Nearly two decades later, he’s back, with crypto regulation firmly in sight.
During his confirmation hearing, Atkins didn’t mince words. He argued that vague, overly broad rules are stifling innovation and confusing both builders and investors. In his view, crypto doesn’t need a crackdown; it needs clarity.
A Pro-Crypto Agenda: Paul Atkins is Changing Everything for US Crypto
Atkins’ appointment fits neatly into the Trump administration’s current playbook: deregulate, decentralize, and let the tech grow. While he stopped short of promising sweeping deregulation, Atkins did indicate he’s ready to take a second look at several controversial policies introduced over the last few years.
I’m pleased Paul Atkins is confirmed as Chairman of the SEC. I sat down w/ Mr. Atkins to discuss digital asset legislation, empowering Wyoming’s blockchain future & implementing reforms to the regulatory rulemaking process. I’m confident his leadership will bring positive change. pic.twitter.com/1cpGrNjSrg
— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) April 9, 2025
That could include the agency’s approach to token classification, enforcement actions against exchanges, and even guidance around DeFi platforms. For the crypto crowd, this could mean less guesswork and fewer lawsuits.
But Atkins also made it clear: pro-innovation doesn’t mean a free-for-all. He said the SEC will still hold bad actors accountable, especially in cases of fraud or market manipulation. The difference? He wants those rules to be clear and targeted, not broad enough to “accidentally” apply to every smart contract or protocol developer.
Still, it won’t be smooth sailing. The SEC faces staffing gaps after several high-level exits and early retirements, which could slow down any big policy pivots. Plus, Atkins’ finances raised some eyebrows during the confirmation process. He has investments tied to crypto and fintech companies, and critics have already started questioning whether that presents a conflict of interest. So far, there’s no formal investigation, but it’s a storyline to watch.
Crypto Industry Reactions to Paul Atkins Appointment as the New Chair of the SEC
The crypto world has responded with cautious optimism. Most industry players see Atkins as someone who “gets it,” someone who understands the difference between a token scam and a legit protocol. Several prominent voices, including executives from Coinbase, Kraken, and a handful of VC firms, have praised the confirmation as a turning point.
U.S. Director of Federal Housing FHFA, William J. Pulte, was optimistic about Paul Atkins’s new appointment, which he made apparent in a post on X.com.
I look forward to working with SEC Chairman Atkins. Congratulations, Paul! https://t.co/Xsrt8RC99A
— Pulte (@pulte) April 10, 2025
That said, some consumer advocacy groups are worried the pendulum might swing too far. Their concern is that relaxing the rules could lead to another wave of rug pulls or “wild west” behavior in the space. Atkins must walk a tightrope, allowing innovation without opening the floodgates to chaos.
So, what’s next? Expect some key enforcement decisions and guidance updates over the coming months. Whether it’s about token launches, staking products, or what qualifies as a “security” in crypto, Atkins’ SEC will likely play a very different tune from its predecessor.
For now, all eyes are on the agency’s next move—and how far Atkins is willing to go to rewrite the rules of the crypto road.
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Key Takeaways
- Paul Atkins has been confirmed as the new SEC Chair, signaling a major shift in Washington’s crypto regulatory stance.
- Atkins, a former SEC commissioner, criticized vague regulations and emphasized the need for clarity over crackdowns in his confirmation hearing.
- His agenda aligns with the Trump administration’s pro-innovation approach, with potential rollbacks on token classification and DeFi enforcement.
- While pro-crypto, Atkins says the SEC will still go after fraud and manipulation—just with clearer, more targeted rules.
- The crypto industry has welcomed his confirmation, though concerns remain about conflicts of interest and overly lax oversight.
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