Yeliz Akmaca 
Paul Atkins, the new SEC Chairman, announced ambitious goals for the cryptocurrency sector. Speaking at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable in Washington, DC, on May 12, 2025, Atkins pledged to make the U.S. the “crypto capital.” His initial focus is to eliminate existing regulatory uncertainties.
A New Era for Crypto Under Paul Atkins
The SEC-hosted meeting explored the connection between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Major players like Fidelity, Nasdaq, and BlackRock attended. Atkins highlighted past regulatory pressures on the crypto sector. “Innovation has been stifled by uncertainties,” he said, promising clear and innovative rules.
Paul Atkins Vision
Paul Atkins aims to create a rational regulatory framework for crypto, boosting investor confidence and accelerating institutional participation. Specific regulations for leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are planned, alongside updates to custody rules and potential exemptions.
Hester Peirce, speaking at the event, supported Atkins’ vision. “The crypto sector deserves clear rules,” she said. Companies like Kraken and BitGo warned that regulatory uncertainty could push innovation abroad. Atkins committed to addressing these concerns swiftly.
Key Quotes from Paul Atkins Speech
- “My priority is to establish a rational regulatory infrastructure for crypto. A logical and robust framework for crypto assets will enhance individual investor confidence and accelerate institutional participation.”
- “Market participants engaging with this technology deserve a clear path and regulatory rules. Innovation has stumbled due to regulatory uncertainty. A new day has begun at the SEC.”
- “We want to make the U.S. a global leader in digital assets. New regulations will prioritize Bitcoin and other leading cryptocurrencies.”
- “We may update custody rules. Additionally, we aim to bring dynamism to the market by considering exemption options under appropriate conditions.”
During his campaign, Trump promised to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world.” Atkins’ SEC chairmanship is seen as a significant step toward this vision. However, achieving this goal will require close collaboration with industry stakeholders and Congress. Additionally, Atkins’ past consultancy with FTX has sparked debates about impartiality.
In conclusion, Paul Atkins SEC leadership offers a fresh start for the U.S. crypto market. Clear regulations could strengthen the sector and position the U.S. as a global leader. However, coordinated efforts between the industry and government are essential for concrete progress.
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