In a highly partisan vote of 52-44 on April 9, the US Senate confirmed Paul Atkins as the new chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a pick nominated by President Donald Trump. Atkins, a former SEC commissioner who served during the 2002–2008 global financial crisis, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a veteran of the agency, and his background includes founding the financial consulting firm Patomak Global Partners in 2009 and co-chairing the crypto advocacy group Token Alliance until late 2024.
Atkins’ nomination comes as the SEC shifts its regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott expressed confidence that Atkins will continue a crypto-friendly approach with regulatory clarity for digital assets that enable American innovation to flourish and ensure global competitiveness.
This policy direction marks a steep turn from the aggressive enforcement actions seen under former chair Gary Gensler, whose tenure included multiple lawsuits against crypto firms.
His confirmation, delayed by financial disclosures linked to his marriage into a billionaire family with ties to TAMKO Building Products LLC—a company that generated $1.2 billion in revenue in 2023—also revealed that Atkins held up to $6 million in crypto-related investments. These included stakes in crypto custody platform Anchorage Digital and blockchain tokenization platform Securitize. The financial details, which surfaced as part of the required disclosures after his 1990 marriage to Sarah Humphreys Atkins, highlight the complex intersection of traditional finance and digital asset investing.
Taking over from Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, who has been heading the SEC since January 20 following Gary Gensler’s departure, Atkins is expected to prioritize establishing a rational, coherent, and principled regulatory foundation for digital assets. His appointment signals a renewed focus on applying his Wall Street expertise and pro-crypto stance to define the SEC’s future actions
How SEC Chair Paul Atkins Will Reset Crypto Policy - Tom Emmer
In a recent episode of the Crypto in America podcast, Republican Congressman Tom Emmer—House Majority Whip and Co-Chair of the Congressional Crypto Caucus—laid out an optimistic vision for how new SEC Chair Paul Atkins will change the U.S. crypto sector. Emmer’s strong confidence in Atkins is based on his extensive background and a clear-eyed desire to steer financial regulation back to its core mission: guaranteeing all Americans have access to the nation’s premier financial markets, including digital assets.
Today's episode is with @GOPMajorityWhip Tom Emmer
— Crypto In America (@CryptoAmerica_) April 9, 2025
We dive into the STABLE Act and the Anti-CBDC bill, what crypto convos with gov colleagues are like behind closed doors, stablecoin legislation, the SEC's changing attitude toward crypto and more. pic.twitter.com/y0yaNnWmI9
Atkins’ Vision for a Clear and Supportive Regulatory Framework
Restoring the SEC’s Mission
• Emmer believes Atkins will refocus the SEC on open access and fairness in financial markets.
• The goal is to provide clarity regarding fundamental definitions—what constitutes currency, security, and commodity.
Delivering Certainty and Clarity
• Atkins is expected to cut through legal ambiguities that have long confounded the crypto industry.
• Emmer noted the need to move beyond repeated reliance on case law and judicial interpretation, advocating for decisive leadership akin to executive orders from past administrations.
Embracing a “Light-Touch” Approach
• Rather than imposing onerous restrictions, Atkins is anticipated to adopt a regulatory style that promotes innovation while safeguarding investors.
• This approach marks a departure from heavy-handed, enforcement-focused policies witnessed in recent years.
Paul Atkins’ Background and Credentials
Prior SEC Experience
• Atkins served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under President George W. Bush, establishing a reputation for supporting free markets and reducing regulatory burdens.
Involvement with Digital Assets and Crypto
• After leaving the SEC, Atkins founded Patomak Global Partners, a firm that specializes in helping crypto companies navigate complex rules.
• Since 2017, he has co-chaired the Token Alliance—an initiative aimed at developing best practices for digital asset issuance and trading.
A Deep Understanding of Finance and Technology
• Atkins’ blend of regulatory experience and industry engagement positions him as a catalyst for reconciling robust market oversight with the dynamic demands of technological innovation.
Criticism of Former SEC Leadership
The Gensler Legacy
• Congressman Emmer offered a sharp critique of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, asserting that Gensler’s policies created uncertainty and stifled innovation.
• Emmer recalled instances where Gensler’s “open-door” promises ended in lawsuits or investigations, hindering entrepreneurial risk-taking.
Inconsistencies in Enforcement
• Gensler’s approach, particularly regarding emerging trends like meme coins, has been seen as contradictory. While initially encouraging market experimentation, Gensler later imposed punitive measures that sent mixed signals to the industry.
• Under Gensler’s tenure, nearly half of all crypto-related enforcement actions occurred—fueling calls for a more balanced and supportive regulatory framework under Atkins.
Forward-Looking Implications for U.S. Crypto Policy
Legislative Opportunities
• Emmer highlighted that a reset in regulatory policy, led by Atkins, could pave the way for critical legislation such as the FIT 21 Act, intended to formalize clear digital asset rules.
• A favorable legislative environment would help ensure that U.S. crypto businesses remain competitive on a global scale.
A New Era for the U.S. Crypto Industry
• With a renewed focus on clarity and support, the industry could experience unprecedented growth and innovation.
• Atkins’ leadership is viewed as key to creating an SEC that champions a thriving digital economy rather than obstructing it.
Conclusion
Paul Atkins’ appointment as SEC Chair signals more than just a change in leadership—it represents an opportunity for a fundamental reset of U.S. crypto policy. With his proven background in regulation and deep industry involvement, Atkins is positioned to deliver on the long-standing call for clear and supportive guidelines. If successful, this new approach could pave the way for significant legislative reforms and position the United States as a global leader in the digital asset space.
HODL Team
