On April 21, 2025, Paul Atkins was formally sworn in as the 34th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a significant leadership transition for the agency. Nominated by President Donald J. Trump earlier this year and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in a 52-to-44 vote, Atkins returns to the SEC with a wealth of experience and a pro-crypto, market-friendly vision that promises to reshape regulatory approaches in the coming years.

A Veteran Leader with Deep Regulatory Roots

Atkins previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008, appointed by President George W. Bush. During his tenure, he was known for advocating transparency, consistency, and the use of cost-benefit analysis in regulatory decisions. His early career included senior roles on the staff of former SEC Chairmen Richard Breeden and Arthur Levitt, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s workings.

Following his commissioner role, Atkins founded Patomak Global Partners, a consulting firm specializing in regulatory compliance, business strategy, and litigation support for financial services firms. He has also been a key figure in the digital asset space, co-chairing the Token Alliance since 2017 to develop best practices for digital asset issuances and trading platforms. His leadership extended to serving as independent director and non-executive chairman of BATS Global Markets, now part of Cboe, from 2012 to 2015.

A Clear Vision for the SEC’s Future

In his swearing-in statement, Chairman Atkins expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and emphasized his commitment to the SEC’s core mission: facilitating capital formation, maintaining fair and efficient markets, and protecting investors. He pledged to advance a regulatory framework that is “rational, coherent, and principled,” especially regarding digital assets—a sector he has long championed.

Atkins underscored the need to reduce regulatory ambiguity, which he believes stifles innovation and growth. He also committed to depoliticizing regulatory enforcement and focusing resources on protecting investors from fraud rather than pursuing technical violations that cause no harm.

Building on Recent Agency Reforms

Atkins assumes leadership following a period of notable change under Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda and Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, who have steered the SEC toward a more streamlined enforcement approach. This includes dismissing or closing numerous crypto-related enforcement actions deemed overreaching and refocusing the agency’s priorities on cases involving actual investor harm.

The SEC is also undergoing workforce reductions and structural adjustments aimed at improving efficiency. Atkins’s arrival signals continuity in this direction, with expectations that he will further refine enforcement strategies and regulatory policies to balance innovation with investor protection.

Industry and Regulatory Support

Atkins’s appointment has been welcomed by key figures across the financial and regulatory landscape. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chair Caroline D. Pham praised his leadership and expressed eagerness to collaborate on smart regulation that fosters economic growth. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) highlighted his deep knowledge and experience, emphasizing the importance of robust capital markets in fueling job creation. FINRA, the self-regulatory organization for U.S. broker-dealers, also voiced support, pledging to assist Atkins in implementing effective and appropriately tailored regulations.

As the SEC’s new chairman, Paul Atkins stands at the forefront of a pivotal moment for U.S. financial markets and the burgeoning digital asset industry. His pro-crypto stance and extensive regulatory background position him to lead the SEC toward clearer rules, smarter enforcement, and a more innovation-friendly environment.