Paul Atkins is not wasting any time shaking things up at the SEC. Just days into his new role as Chairman, he made it crystal clear: how the U.S. handles crypto regulation is overdue for a serious update.
Speaking at the SEC’s first big crypto roundtable under his leadership, Atkins pulled no punches. He said the old regulatory approach left the industry in limbo, unsure how to move forward without tripping over unclear rules. “Market participants engaging in this technology deserve clear regulatory rules of the road,” Atkins told the audience.
Atkins is not just talking about small tweaks. He is pushing for a full reset to build a modern framework that fits the fast-moving crypto world. The message is simple: Out with the outdated patchwork, in with rules that make sense for the digital age.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
If you have been following crypto regulation, you know this is a big deal. Under former Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC was known for a tough stance, often relying on enforcement actions rather than offering clear guidance. That approach caused plenty of frustration across the industry.
JUST IN: NEW SEC CHAIR PAUL ATKINS STATES HE IS “EAGER TI ATTACK LONG-FESTERING ISSUES SUCH AS THE TREATMENT OF DIGITAL ASSETS”
USA IS NOW PRO-CRYPTO!
$BTC $XRP pic.twitter.com/BigOQCLjKw
— Good Morning Crypto (@AbsGMCrypto) April 25, 2025
Atkins seems determined to flip that script. Instead of endless lawsuits and fines, he is hinting at real collaboration. He also called out the need to rethink how digital asset custody is handled and wants to revisit the idea of special-purpose broker-dealers specializing in crypto assets.
Even better for the industry, Atkins said the SEC does not need to wait for Congress to pass new laws. The agency has enough authority to start fixing some of the mess, and he sounds ready to move quickly.
Post-Gensler Crypto Industry Response
As you might guess, crypto players are pretty excited about this shift. Many have spent years asking for real rules that encourage innovation rather than stifle it. Now, it sounds like they might finally get what they have been asking for.
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Hester Peirce, a longtime commissioner nicknamed “Crypto Mom” for her pro-crypto views, is fully on board. With Atkins and Peirce working together, the SEC could finally move toward creating a friendlier environment for legitimate crypto businesses without letting scams slip through the cracks.
The SEC is not working in a vacuum either. They have already started hosting a series of roundtables to bring in industry voices. The idea is to hear directly from builders, investors, and other stakeholders to help shape the next wave of regulation.
Conclusion on New SEC Chair
Paul Atkins is coming in hot, and the crypto industry is noticing. By calling for a complete overhaul of how the SEC handles digital assets, he sends a strong signal that the old rules are no longer cutting it.
Instead of treating crypto like a legal landmine, the new SEC leadership wants to build a system that encourages innovation while protecting investors. It is early days, but if Atkins follows through, the next few years could look very different for crypto in America.
DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025
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Key Takeaways
- New SEC Chair Paul Atkins is pushing for a full overhaul of outdated crypto regulations to provide clearer rules for the industry.
- Atkins criticized the prior enforcement-heavy approach and emphasized collaboration and proper guidance over lawsuits.
- He stated the SEC already has enough authority to begin modernizing crypto oversight without waiting for new legislation.
- Industry leaders and pro-crypto figures like Hester Peirce have welcomed Atkins’ call for reform.
- The SEC has started hosting crypto-focused roundtables to gather direct input from builders, investors, and other stakeholders.
The post New SEC Boss Paul Atkins Wants to Rewrite Crypto Rulebook appeared first on 99Bitcoins.
