- Paul Atkins says crypto will be his key goal while leading the SEC in the United States.
- He aims to bring clear rules to crypto markets and unlock new space for fair business.
- Trump wants faster cuts in interest rates and supports bold steps in the money system.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sworn in Paul Atkins as its new chairman, signaling a pivotal regulatory shift. Atkins declared that making the United States the global leader in digital assets and crypto business would be his foremost objective. His appointment comes during a heightened debate over financial policy, as President Donald Trump urges the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates aggressively.
Atkins emphasized the need to create a market environment that attracts capital to maintain fair and efficient systems with proper order. “As I return to the SEC, I am pleased to join with my fellow commissioners and the agency’s dedicated professionals to advance its mission,” he said at the White House. He thanked President Trump and the Senate for their confidence in his leadership.
Atkins was the SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008, a role that gives him significant credibility with regulators. His appointment is particularly notable, as it signals a commitment to open markets and business-friendly policies, which are consistent with Trump’s economic agenda.
A Crypto-Focused Mandate Emerges At The SEC
Atkins assumes the chairmanship at a time when over 70 cryptocurrency-related ETF applications are awaiting regulatory decisions. Among them, more than 17 proposals focus on XRP spot ETFs. These filings are under increasing scrutiny as the agency nears a resolution in its legal battle with Ripple Labs.
In addition, Mr. Atkins has actively participated in the digital asset space and is said to hold approximately $6 million in crypto-related assets. He has acted as an advisor to Securitize, a tokenization company, since 2019. These ties reflect a relationship that has existed for many years, which supporters argue places him in a position to appreciate the nuances of the space.
Proponents argue that Atkins’ appointment arrives at a crucial moment when regulatory clarity is essential. The lack of clear rules under previous leadership, particularly Gary Gensler’s legal-heavy approach, was seen by industry leaders as a barrier to innovation and adoption. Moreover, Atkins has pledged to implement a rational, long-term regulatory framework that reduces ambiguity and encourages responsible growth in digital asset markets. He described the current moment as ideal for setting a firm foundation in crypto regulation.
Related: Paul Atkins Officially Confirmed As 34th Chairman of the SEC
Trump Pressures Powell Amid Market and Monetary Policy Debates
President Trump’s support for Atkins’ crypto-forward agenda coincides with his increasing criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Speaking from the White House, Trump said, “I have no intention of firing him. I would like to see him be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates.”
Trump’s economic advisor, Kevin Hassett, previously suggested the president was exploring Powell’s removal, though Trump later dismissed those claims. “I never planned to fire him,” Trump said, reiterating his focus on rate adjustments rather than personnel changes.
Trump also noted that “this is a perfect time to lower interest rates,” arguing that earlier action might have been more beneficial. His comments sparked a market rally, with stock futures and the dollar gaining traction.
However, there is an increasing pressure by the White House on the Fed, which has made some investors uneasy. Analysts are cautioning that the administration may be laying the groundwork to blame any upcoming recession on Powell’s inaction.
