Paul Atkins sworn in as SEC chairman

Paul Atkins was sworn in as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House. Atkins pledged to establish a solid regulatory framework for digital assets. He expressed his commitment to focus on investor protection, fair markets, and capital formation, aiming to prevent fraud and maintain clear rules for investment. Atkins, who was confirmed by the Senate, will replace former SEC chair Gary Gensler permanently. He has a background as an SEC commissioner and experience in compliance and policy consulting in Washington. Atkins has also been involved with advisory roles in crypto firms, including Token Alliance. Hester Peirce, a member of the SEC leading the agency’s crypto task force, commended Atkins for his integrity and expressed interest in collaborating to align the agency’s mission with economic growth and regulatory clarity in the crypto space. The SEC, under the leadership of Atkins, has dropped cases against cryptocurrency marketplaces, showing a shift in approach. President Donald Trump aims to position the U.S. as a leader in the crypto industry, emphasizing digital assets adoption and economic growth. Atkins reiterated his commitment to providing a stable regulatory environment for digital assets, supporting the President’s objectives to strengthen the economy and maintain U.S. leadership in global markets.