- Paul Atkins was sworn in as SEC Chair, replacing Gary Gensler, to lead a pro-crypto shift.
- Atkins takes over from Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, who created early crypto-friendly measures.
- Investors are optimistic that the Atkins-led SEC will bring clearer rules and growth.
After Trump took office, the SEC has been creating crypto-friendly policies to foster growth and innovation. In this redefining moment, Paul Atkins was officially sworn in on April 21, 2025, as the 34th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). With decades of regulatory experience and digital asset strategy, Atkins steps into the role.
Atkins was nominated by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, and was confirmed by the US Senate in a 52-44 vote earlier this month, on April 9th. He’s known for his business-friendly views and previous tenure as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008. Further, Atkins replaces Gary Gensler and is expected to create more streamlined regulations and clearer frameworks for digital assets. He said in a statement that,
I am honored by the trust and confidence President Trump and the Senate have placed in me to lead the SEC. 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 to facilitate capital formation; maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets; and protect investors.
For the time being, Trump appointed Mark Uyeda as the acting chair of the SEC. He helped establish the Crypto Task Force in January, which aimed to create pro-crypto policies and build trust in the agency among investors.
In Q1 2025, the SEC dismissed several crypto lawsuits and enforcement actions against major crypto firms like Coinbase, Gemini, and Uniswap. These cases were originally undertaken by the Gensler-led SEC, marking a shift in the agency’s approach to the crypto industry.
Related: SEC Dismisses Cases Against Crypto.com and Leading Crypto Firms
Industry leaders and investors see Atkins’ entry as a possible turning point for crypto regulation. He has made it clear that he wants policies out of securities law enforcement and to focus on protecting investors from fraud and promoting innovation.
However, the onset of Paul Atkins also drew criticism from Senators like Elizabeth Warren. She voiced concerns over Atkins’ past consulting work with financial institutions, warning of potential conflicts of interest. As the SEC embarks on a new chapter with its new Chairman, the coming months will determine how Atkins will balance trust, transparency, and transformation without taking sides in favor of industry power players.
